FIA' s chief Delaney quits over loan controversy

Former Football Association of Ireland (FAI) boss John Delaney offered on Monday to leave the governing body completely, the FAI said, amid pressure from fans, players and politicians over a 100,000 euro loan he provided the association.

Delaney, who was moved to a newly created role of executive vice-president just three weeks ago after details of the loan were first reported, faced criticism last week, including from the country's prime minister, for refusing to answer questions about the funds in front of a parliamentary committee.

"John Delaney has offered to voluntarily step aside from carrying out his role as Executive Vice-President with immediate effect pending the completion of an independent investigation by the Association into issues of concern to the Board," the FAI said in a statement.