## The Rise and Fall of John Delaney and the FAI ### The Unchallenged Reign For fifteen years, John Delaney ran the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) as his own personal fiefdom. He had critics, but his power was never seriously challenged until 2019, when a series of revelations by Mark Tighe and Paul Rowan in the *Sunday Times* exposed the deep-seated mismanagement and financial irregularities within the FAI. Delaney's reign was marked by an aura of invincibility. He had worked tirelessly and ruthlessly to consolidate his power, often using the legal system as a weapon to silence critics and intimidate the media. His relationship with the media was particularly contentious; he had secured significant settlements from various newspapers, which had a chilling effect on any attempts to scrutinize his actions. ### The Financial Mismanagement The financial situation of the FAI under Delaney's leadership was nothing short of catastrophic. In March 2019, a report by the *Sunday Times* revealed that Delaney had received a €100,000 bridging loan from the FAI, which he later repaid. However, this was just the tip of the iceberg. The FAI's finances were in chaos, with the association facing bankruptcy and needing a massive bailout from the Irish taxpayer. One of the most egregious examples of financial mismanagement was the scheme to charge fans a minimum of €12,000 for season tickets over 12 years to finance the Aviva Stadium. This scheme was not only financially disastrous but also highlighted the lack of corporate governance within the FAI. ### The Culture of Fear and Compliance Delaney's rule was not just about financial mismanagement; it was also about creating a culture of fear and compliance within the FAI. He surrounded himself with yes-men, many of whom were well past retirement age. Delaney even abolished rules that would have forced these older members to step down, ensuring his loyalists remained in power. The board minutes revealed a shocking level of support for Delaney's actions, even when it was clear that the FAI was on the brink of financial collapse. This culture extended to the grassroots level, where Delaney would often attend club events, bringing along international managers or senior footballers to boost his popularity. However, behind the scenes, the FAI was in shambles. ### The Media and Legal Battles Delaney's relationship with the media was adversarial, to say the least. He frequently threatened legal action against media organizations that dared to question his actions. This strategy was effective in silencing many critics, as the financial costs of defending against such lawsuits were prohibitive. For instance, Delaney had secured over €260,000 from various newspapers for coverage of the Rio Olympic Games, further intimidating the media from pursuing hard-hitting stories. The legal battles were a significant part of the narrative. Mark Tighe and Paul Rowan faced numerous challenges as they dug deeper into the FAI's finances. One notable instance was the High Court session on March 16, where the *Sunday Times* fought to reveal the truth about Delaney's loan. The stakes were high, and the verdict in favor of the *Sunday Times* marked a crucial turning point in exposing the FAI's mismanagement. ### The Fall of John Delaney The series of stories published in the *Sunday Times* in 2019 was the beginning of the end for Delaney. The revelations about his personal compensation and the FAI's financial situation were too damning to ignore. Delaney's reputation as a great financial manager was left in tatters, and he eventually resigned under pressure. The aftermath of Delaney's resignation was chaotic. The FAI was left hoping for a massive bailout, and the organization was forced to confront the deep-rooted problems that had been ignored for so long. The new leadership faced the daunting task of rebuilding the FAI, ensuring proper governance, and restoring the trust of the Irish football community. ### The Legacy and Lessons Learned *Champagne Football* is not just a story about the mismanagement of Irish football; it is also a reflection of broader issues within Irish society. The book highlights how power works in Ireland, particularly in the context of sports governance. The Department of Sport, often treated as a secondary concern, was criticized for not taking the issues seriously enough. The story of John Delaney and the FAI serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of corporate governance. It also underscores the role of investigative journalism in holding those in power accountable. As Mark Tighe noted, "Football is the number one participation sport in Ireland," and the health of the sport is reflective of the broader societal issues. In the end, *Champagne Football* offers a glimmer of hope. With new leadership and a commitment to proper governance, there is a chance for Irish football to recover and thrive. The book is a gripping, sometimes darkly hilarious, and often enraging account that serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in all aspects of public life.

Here are the key insights from the book "Champagne Football: The Rise and Fall of John Delaney and the FAI": ## Unchallenged Power and Mismanagement - John Delaney ran the FAI as his personal fiefdom for 15 years, using legal threats to silence critics and intimidate the media. ## Financial Catastrophe - Delaney's leadership led to catastrophic financial mismanagement, including a €100,000 "bridging loan" from the FAI, hidden from public view, and a scheme to charge fans €12,000 for season tickets to finance the Aviva Stadium, which was financially disastrous. ## Culture of Fear and Compliance - Delaney created a culture of fear and compliance within the FAI, surrounding himself with loyalists and abolishing rules that would have forced older members to retire, ensuring his power remained unchecked. ## Media and Legal Battles - Delaney's adversarial relationship with the media involved frequent legal threats, securing significant settlements from newspapers, which intimidated further scrutiny. Mark Tighe and Paul Rowan's investigative work was crucial in exposing the truth despite these challenges. ## Fall of John Delaney - The series of stories by Mark Tighe and Paul Rowan in 2019 exposed Delaney's personal compensation and the FAI's financial situation, leading to his resignation under pressure. He departed with a significant severance package, leaving the FAI with substantial debts. ## Lack of Governance and Oversight - The FAI board failed in its oversight duties, allowing Delaney's power to go unchecked. The board was passive, lacking independence and expertise to review financial reports and implement governance reforms. ## Broader Societal Implications - The book highlights broader issues within Irish society, particularly in sports governance, and the importance of corporate governance and transparency. It underscores the role of investigative journalism in holding those in power accountable. ## Financial Consequences - The FAI faced bankruptcy and needed a massive bailout from the Irish taxpayer. The organization's debt soared to around €62 million, a stark contrast to Delaney's initial goal of making the FAI debt-free by 2020. ## Personal Benefits and Excesses - Delaney benefited personally from his position, including a €360,000 annual salary, covered rent, and lavish spending on items like executive dry-cleaning and duty-free shopping. He also had a "golden handcuffs" provision worth up to €2 million. ## Rebuilding and Lessons Learned - The aftermath of Delaney's resignation involved a chaotic period for the FAI, but it also presented an opportunity for new leadership to rebuild the organization with proper governance and restore trust within the Irish football community.