Speculation about John Delaney’s future within the FAI has intensified overnight.

Officials from the association met yesterday to discuss the situation as reports indicated that he had told colleagues his is planning to step away from the organisation.

It comes as The Sunday Times reports that Mr Delaney racked up a €40,000 bill on an FAI credit card in the last six months of 2016.

The paper claims the then-CEO used the card for duty-free purchases, high-end fashion items, meals and cash withdrawals, while also drawing down a €360,000 salary.

The paper reports that the FAI also footed the bill for stays at the Ritz-Carlton hotels in New York and Dubai as well as numerous visits to a top hotel in London.

Credit card

The FAI has refused to comment on the revelations – or its policy on staff using company credit cards to withdraw cash.

In 2001, Mr Delaney was among the voices calling for former FAI CEO Bernard O’Byrne to step aside amid controversy over his use of an FAI credit card.

Mr O’Byrne denied he had acted improperly – but admitted to clerical errors. He eventually stepped away from his role.

Protests

FAI officials met yesterday to discuss protests against Mr Delaney’s leadership at League of Ireland games on Friday.

At Cork City’s Turner’s Cross stadium Gardaí and Security staff engaged with fans after they unveiled a large ‘Delaney Out’ banner.

The protests followed the former CEOs appearance before an Oireachtas committee this week.

Delaney

At the hearing, Mr Delaney repeatedly refused to answer questions about a €100,000 loan he gave the organisation in 2017.

He also refused to answer questions on the FAIs finances or his former role as CEO.

The Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI) described the hearing as a "new low" for Irish football.

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he does not believe “anyone would be satisfied” by Mr Delaney’s refusal to answer the questions.