The FAI will support Gianni Infantino in his bid for the FIFA Presidency.
The announcement was made today at the launch of the associations Strategic Plan 2016-2020.
“The Association will be supporting Gianni Infantino,” said FAI CEO John Delaney, speaking to RTÉ Sport this afternoon.
“He’s currently the general secretary of UEFA. And we were out in UEFA last Friday, where he made a presentation to all the UEFA countries and national associations in terms of his strategies and his vision for world football.
“We’re very pleased to support him. We’ve known Gianni a long time. He’s travelled around the world four times already since November to meet the different federations and national associations. Twice more, I believe, before the election."
Gianni Infantino, UEFA General Secretary. Image: PA Wire / PA Wire/Press Association Images
Meanwhile, the FAI have agreed a "bonus package" with the players after Martin O'Neill's side secured qualification to the European Championship last year.
Delaney also stated that there is a bonus structure implemented for successes at this summer's tournament.
"I want to thank Robbie Keane and John O'Shea, as captain and vice captain, who acted on behalf of the players, and to all of the players themselves for bringing this matter to a successful and speedy conclusion, and for their professionalism throughout this short process" he said in a statement.
"We can all now look forward to EURO 2016 together as Ireland get set for what will be a great occasion for the team and for our millions of supporters around the world."
Ireland will face Slovakia, Switzerland and the Netherlands in the preparation for the tournament.
“Since qualifying, the hype around us going to the Euros is incredible. It is the most sought after and looked forward to event in sport in this particular year" Delaney added.
“The soccer team are the people’s team, they really are. When the Irish team gets to major tournaments, this country shuts down. We’re going to see that next June for sure.
“I think that it’s great that 100 years since 1916, that we’ll hopefully have new sporting heroes 100 years later in France and hopefully the Irish team can do the country proud.”
The event itself was met with some displeasure from certain elements of the media.
Don't recall getting invite to FAI Strategic Development Plan launch. Trust they weren't handpicking hacks cos that would be quite sinister.
— Neil O'Riordan (@noriordan) January 29, 2016
It wasn't just print journalists who didn't get an invite to the FAI launch today. From what I can see only the Indo dot ie were there?
— Steve O'Rourke (@steveohrourke) January 29, 2016
No print journalists invited to @fai strategic plan launch today apparently seems a bit bizarre
— john kenny (@JohnKennyMedia) January 29, 2016
No soccer media (print) invited to FAI strategic launch. Thank God RTE were there to capture this John Delaney gem pic.twitter.com/exOGBTJW1t
— Mark McCadden (@markmccadden) January 29, 2016
