Sport Ireland agrees to release frozen funds to FAI

Sport Ireland have released funding to the FAI after suspending its financial support in the wake of issues around payments made to the association's chief executive Jonathan Hill.

It was discovered that benefit in kind payments had been made to Hill last year were contrary to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between the FAI and the government. The payments were made in lieu of holiday pay.

A statement from Sport Ireland read: "Sport Ireland can confirm that funding to the FAI has been resumed today, in accordance with the MOU between the Government and the FAI.

"The resumption of funding follows detailed engagement with the FAI in recent weeks on the corrective actions taken by the FAI in response to an audit commissioned by Sport Ireland on MOU compliance.

"Work continues to monitor the FAI's adherence to the conditions of the MOU.

"Sport Ireland wishes to thank Minister Catherine Martin TD, Minister Thomas Byrne TD and Department of Sport officials for their engagement throughout this process. As requested, we are in the process of preparing a report for the Ministers on the FAI’s implementation of actions set out under the MOU.

"Notwithstanding recent challenges, Sport Ireland acknowledges the significant progress made by the FAI on its governance reform agenda in recent years. Sport Ireland will continue to support the reform of the FAI in accordance with the MOU."

Hill apologised for the issue and the association expressed regret that the episode had damaged attempts to rebuild trust in the organisation.

The payment freeze - believe to be worth €6.8m in toal - came at a difficult time for the FAI as they head-hunt on two fronts for new managers to lead the men and women's senior international teams. Vera Pauw