The FAI has responded to explosive comments made by their former employee, Colin Healy, today.
Former Republic of Ireland Women’s assistant coach Healy criticised the FAI and CEO David Courell over his abrupt dismissal, alleging a lack of transparency and compassion. Healy claims Marc Canham broke a verbal agreement to extend his contract and that Courell wrongly believed he had voluntarily left the role.
Despite receiving alleged assurances, Healy declined other opportunities to stay loyal to the team. He now intends to file a formal complaint with the FAI regarding his treatment and what he describes as an apparent mix-up.
"I feel the treatment I received lacked transparency and compassion and that there was a total disregard shown towards my welfare as an employee—a reality that now sees me out of work and affects my ability to provide for my children," read a statement from Healy’s representatives, Integrity Sports, shared on Instagram.
"Furthermore, I do not understand how David Courell, in his position as CEO, could have been under the initial impression that I had chosen to leave the association when that was never the case—something I find particularly unsettling.
"The association has been quite vocal recently about the importance of protecting the welfare and dignity of everyone involved within football in Ireland. The 'Play it Right' campaign was so important and has been embraced by the majority of people at all levels of the game."
Today was meant to focus on the announcement of the new Ireland Women’s manager, Carla Ward, but Healy's comments have overshadowed the event at FAI headquarters.
FAI chief football officer Marc Canham during a media conference (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)When asked about Healy’s departure, the FAI refuted several of his claims. FAI Director of Football, Marc Canham, stated that they would not delve into the specifics of the matter but asserted that Healy was fully aware of his contract obligations and the procedures surrounding it.
"I have been very consistent in all my conversations with Colin, his agent, and others involved that any decision regarding the renewal or non-renewal of the contract would be based on a review—this is very consistent with how we handle other teams and head coaches within the association," said Canham to reporters today
However, FAI CEO David Courell admitted there had been confusion, as Healy was exploring a move to Cobh Ramblers at the time. Courell added that the decision regarding the assistant coach position ultimately rested with Carla Ward, the new Ireland head coach.
"The confusion, or perhaps the question mark, arose because we were made aware by his agent that Colin had other suitors during that time," Courell explained.
"We were always open to the appointed head coach considering Colin as their number two. Ultimately, this decision would depend on the new coach's preference and whether they expressed an interest in retaining Colin," he added.
This situation marks yet another public relations challenge for the FAI. Canham admitted that the organisation would review the decision not to include Healy in Eileen Gleeson’s departure announcement, acknowledging it as a learning opportunity.
"There’s something for us to reflect on," Canham said. "At the time, we wanted the press release to focus on Eileen because she was the priority as the head coach. In hindsight, we could have provided greater clarity about Colin’s tenure."
"It was absolutely our decision to make, and we understand these are difficult decisions."
