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The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed that Marc Canham has taken the decision to step away from his role as chief football officer.

Canham joined the FAI as director of football in June 2022, succeeding Ruud Dokter.

The centrepiece of his reign was the 'Football Pathways Plan' unveiled in early 2024, which sought to institute an aligned calendar at all levels of the game, with leagues around the country now directed to move to a calendar year season by 2028.

However, the Englishman's tenure as director of football was marked by controversy, with the protracted search for a successor to Stephen Kenny attracting criticism, while Canham admitted his regrets over the handling of Colin Healy's removal as assistant manager of the women's national team.

A statement from the association confirmed Canham's departure.

It read: "Marc has spent close to three years with the FAI and in that time has played a pivotal role in helping to shape the future of Irish football, including the development of our Football Pathways Plan, which provides a clear direction for the continued growth of the game at all levels from grassroots, to professional, to international.

"Marc will continue in his position as he conducts a handover. The recruitment process for a new CFO will commence immediately and details of an interim plan will be confirmed in the coming weeks – to cover the period between Marc's departure and a new CFO being appointed."

Canham said: "After much consideration, I have made the decision to leave the Association and relocate back to England.

"This decision has not been an easy one to come to, but I believe that the time is right to explore new personal and professional opportunities for me and my family. I have thoroughly