CARDIFF: Former UEFA director Noel Mooney is to be the new chief executive of the Football Association of Wales from August 30.

Mooney succeeds Jonathan Ford who was forced out in March by a vote of no confidence in council after seeking to bring in former Post Office director Angela Van den Bogerd.

She had been business improvement director of the Post Office and was fiercely criticised by a High Court Judge in a case emanating from the disgraceful, wrongful imprisonment of more than 40 sub-postmasters – some in Wales.

Ford had been the official face of the FAW since 2009 and his exit added to the FAW’s problems amid Covid-19 pandemic and need to stand down national team manager Ryan Giggs over a court case three months ahead of the Euro 2020 finals.

Mooney, who has been head of strategic development at the European federation, hails from Cappamore, Limerick in the Republic of Ireland and is a former League of Ireland goalkeeper who played for Limerick, Cork City and Shamrock Rovers.

He joined the Football Association of Ireland in 2006 where his role was focused on domestic football, later having the responsibility of marketing the League of Ireland.

FAI roles

Mooney has been with UEFA since 2011 and was seconded to the FAI for six months in 2019 as interim ceo amid the chaos following the enforced departure of the controversial former UEFA executive committee member John Delaney.

His knowledge of the inner workings of the international football family should be important both within the law-making International Board and in helping progress a joint British and Irish bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2030.

FAW president Kieran O’ Connor said: “The FAW has identified Noel as the right person to manage the FAW into a new era of success and evolution.

“He has a vast experience of working across all European national associations over the past decade to grow European football and we are delighted that Noel has agreed to focus his experience and skillset to develop football in Wales.”

Mooney said: “In this next chapter for Welsh football, we will grow and evolve the game to become more popular and successful. The mission is very clear and I can’t wait to work with everyone in Welsh football to reach our full potential.

“I have enjoyed collaborating with great people to grow European football at UEFA for the past decade and now the focus will be on
ensuring that the FAW becomes one of the best football associations globally at all levels by being strong locally in every village and town across Wales.”

################