The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has formally sanctioned the expansion of its board in order to comply with the gender balance directive set forth by the Irish government. This resolution follows an unsuccessful previous proposal to include two additional female candidates on the FAI’s board. However, during an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) convened in Dublin, delegates voted in favour of augmenting the board from 12 members to 14, with the stipulation that the two additional members must be female. The overwhelming support for this motion was evident, with 110 delegates voting in favour and only six voting against it.
The Irish government mandates that sporting bodies in receipt of funding must maintain a minimum of 40% gender representation. Non-compliance with this directive would have jeopardized the FAI’s access to 4.3 million euros’ worth of funding. Departing FAI president Gerry McAnaney expressed his contentment with the decision, affirming that it “paves the way for us to increase the size of our board to 14 and ensure that the board will have a minimum of six male and six female directors in future.”
McAnaney also underscored the significance of this development, underscoring the opportunity for the association to exhibit leadership in the realms of equality, diversity, and inclusion. He stressed that this decision reflects the FAI’s commitment to meeting the 40% female director target outlined in government policy and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The focus of the association will now be directed towards identifying and appointing two additional female directors to the board in January.
This determination marks a momentous stride towards achieving gender parity and fostering a more inclusive atmosphere within the FAI. By prioritising diversity and taking decisive measures to adhere to government directives, the association is positioning itself as a trailblazer in advocating for gender equality in sports governance. This landmark serves as a testament to the FAI’s dedication to embracing and championing diversity at all organizational levels.
In conclusion, the FAI’s endorsement of the board expansion to attain gender balance is a laudable and pivotal decision. It underscores the association’s commitment to upholding government mandates and advancing gender equality in sports governance. By ensuring adequate representation of both male and female directors, the FAI is setting a powerful example for other sporting bodies to emulate.