Marc Canham, the Chief Football Officer of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), has announced his departure from the role. Canham, who joined the FAI in June 2022, will remain in his position to ensure a smooth transition as the association begins the search for his replacement. The 42-year-old Englishman cited his decision to explore new personal and professional opportunities in the UK as the primary reason for his exit.

"After much consideration, I have made the decision to leave the association and relocate back to England," said Canham. "This decision has not been an easy one, but I believe that the time is right to explore new opportunities for me and my family."

During his tenure, Canham played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Irish football. He was instrumental in the development of the FAI's Football Pathways Plan, a comprehensive document aimed at outlining the strategic direction for the sport in the Republic of Ireland. Additionally, he oversaw the lengthy process of appointing Heimir Hallgrimsson as the new senior men's team manager, replacing Stephen Kenny, and the decision not to renew Eileen Gleeson's contract as the senior women's team manager.

FAI president Paul Cooke expressed his gratitude for Canham's contributions: "While we are sad to see Marc leave, we fully respect his decision. I sincerely thank him for his dedication and hard work throughout his time with us. His leadership in driving forward the Football Pathways Plan has set a strong foundation for the future of Irish football, which we all now need to deliver upon."

The FAI has already begun the process of finding a successor to Canham, ensuring that the momentum he established continues to propel Irish football forward. As the association navigates this transition, the focus remains on building upon the foundations laid by Canham and driving the sport to new heights in Ireland.

For more updates on this story and other developments in Irish football, stay tuned to our coverage.