Waterford man lands the top job in Irish soccer

Waterford man Paul Cooke now has the biggest job in Irish soccer.

The crisis-hit FAI turned to the former newspaper executive to lead the association, just one day after John Foley dramatically announced he would not be taking up the reins as interim CEO.

Mr Foley had been lined up to take over from Noel Mooney, who has returned to his position with UEFA after completing a six-month secondment with the FAI.

Mr Cooke was elected vice president of the FAI at the AGM last July. The Waterford man now effectively steps into the role of interim CEO and will be given the task of leading the crisis-hit FAI, which has been mired in controversy since John Delaney was forced to resign over financial irregularities.