Soccer-Irish chief Delaney steps aside amid governance questions

Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive John Delaney stepped aside from his role on Saturday, the FAI said, 10 days before he was due to appear before lawmakers over a 100,000 euro ($113,000) loan provided to the governing body. Delaney was called before a parliamentary committee over the personal loan, provided two years ago to help the FAI with what it called a short-term cash flow issue. Delaney said it was the only time he gave such a loan and it was repaid in full.

Delaney will remain in the association he has led since 2005 in a new role of executive vice-president. Rea Walshe, who was promoted to the role of chief operation officer a month ago, was named interim chief executive. The move was announced after Ireland beat Gibraltar 1-0 in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier. ($1 = 0.8840 euros) (Reporting by Padraic Halpin, editing by Ed Osmond)