January 3 – Calls are growing for Raymond Kennedy (pictured) to stand down as President of the Irish Football Association (IFA) following the six-figure payout to former chief executive Howard Wells.
Bobby Jameson, the former chairman of the Irish Premier League, also claimed that vice-president David Martin should resign.
But Kennedy has vowed to stay on and promised that he will soon announce a series of lucrative friendly internationals that will help the IFA recoup the £400,000 they had to pay Wells after he sued for unfair dismissal.
Jameson, a Portadown board member, said he now regretted backing Kennedy’s campaign to become President.
He told the Sunday Life in an interview published today: ”In any other company, those presiding over a situation like this would have to resign, or be forced to resign.
“I consider the position of the President and vice-president to be hold below the waterline and they should jump ship before football sinks with them.”
Wells was sacked by Kennedy and Martin in October 2008 which led to an unfair dismissal case which was settled out of court 13 months later.
Kennedy has refused to divulge the exact amount that Wells received in compensation and legal fees, citing a confidentiality clause.
Jameson said: “There has to accountability.
“That is what Raymond promised when he and David Martin approached me to oppose Jim Boyce and support Raymond’s bid for Presidency in 2007.
“I accepted his assurances and voted for him and have to say it is much to my regret now.”
Kennedy shrugged off the criticism.
He said: ”I have a lot of work still to do which will be beneficial to the association.
“I will soon be announcing a number of lucrative friendlies which will bring a great deal of money into the association.”
Related stories
December 2009: Ireland payout to Wells being investigated
November 2009: Irish FA President forced to defend Wells payout
November 2009: Irish Football Association agree to six-figure payout to Wells