FAI confirm 'current circumstances' of association made them unable to prevent Colin Bell's resignation

The FAI have confirmed their inability to meet Colin Bell’s ‘financial and other demands’ led to his resignation as Ireland manager on Saturday morning.

Bell has taken up the role of assistant manager to Jan Siewert at Huddersfield Town after ending his two-year spell in charge of the senior national team.

The Englishman was under contract until 2020 but, following a second, improved offer from the Championship club, he outlined his expectations for increased investment to the FAI.

In a statement issued on Sunday afternoon, the sport’s crisis-hit governing body confirmed the board was ‘not in a position’ to agree to his terms to remain in his position.

“Following talks held between Colin and senior representatives of the Association, the Board discussed Colin’s financial and other demands at a meeting on Thursday night,” the statement reads.

“Given the current circumstances around the Association, the Board decided that it was not in a position to agree to his terms to stay at this point in time.”

The association confirmed the process to procure a new manager ahead of the Euro 2021 qualifying campaign, which begins in September, has already begun and the position will be advertised.

FAI statement:

The Board of the FAI wish to confirm that Colin Bell was under contract to the FAI as Head Coach to the Women’s National Team for the period to late 2020.

The FAI were first informed last weekend by Colin of the offer from Huddersfield Town and immediately began discussions to determine whether or not the FAI could facilitate Colin’s requirements in order for him to remain.



Following talks held between Colin and senior representatives of the Association, the Board discussed Colin’s financial and other demands at a meeting on Thursday night but, given the current circumstances around the Association, the Board decided that it was not in a position to agree to his terms to stay at this point in time.

When informed of the Board’s decision, Colin confirmed to the FAI that he would resign from his position in order to take up the Huddersfield Town offer.

The FAI has already begun the process to recruit a new manager and will advertise the position. General Manager Noel Mooney has contacted a senior squad representative to reassure the players that their bid to qualify for the European finals will be fully supported in the wake of Colin Bell’s decision to resign.

The Board of the FAI would like to wish Colin Bell well at Huddersfield Town.