The FAI has announced that the Government is satisfied for council members with more than 10 years service to stand for re-election, ahead of an EGM to confirm a Memorandum of Understanding agreed as part of the €30m bailout of the association.
The majority of the money desperately needed by the FAI is comprised of increased State funding and an interest-free loan.
The FAI therefore faces insolvency unless rule changes agreed between the board and Government are adopted on Monday but term limits were believed to be a particular sticking point, given that they would disbar a large number of voting council members.
A compromise now appears to have been reached which allowed those with more than 10 years experience to stand again as long as their terms end by July 2022.
Roy Barrett, chairperson of the FAI, said in a statement that Sports Minister Catherine Martin and Minister of State Jack Chambers "had noted the FAI's proposal with respect to a process for retiring members of the FAI Council" following a briefing with Barrett and Interim CEO Gary Owens on Friday.
Barrett added: "I am happy to inform you that, given the wider reforms taking place and in particular the replacement of the Council with the establishment of the wider General Assembly, the Ministers are satisfied that Council members with greater than 10 years' service will be eligible to go for election to the General Assembly subject to their term of office concluding on or before 31 July, 2022.
"The Ministers also note that term limits will apply to membership of the new Assembly."
The statement said that Barrett and Owens had "outlined the proposals to go to Monday’s meeting in regard to the importance of retaining experienced persons with the necessary key skillsets which will be required during the next 18-24 months when there will be significant changes in the Association."
