Martin O’Neill has left his role as manager of the Republic of Ireland.
The FAI has confirmed that Martin O’Neill and his assistant Roy Keane are no longer in charge of the Republic of Ireland national team, by mutual agreement with the organisation.
Pressure had been mounting on O’Neill after a dismal year in which Ireland won just one match. Last weekend, Ireland were relegated from the second tier of the UEFA Nations League, and had failed to score in any of their past four matches.
O’Neill had been in charge of the team for five years, and led the side to an impressive showing at Euro 2016 before failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, following an embarrassing play-off trouncing by Denmark in the Aviva.
FAI Chief Executive John Delaney paid tribute to O’Neill by saying: “I would like to thank Martin, Roy, and the management team for the impact that they had with the Ireland team. There have been many highlights during Martin’s reign – none more so than EURO 2016 in France, which will live long in the memory of all Irish supporters.
“Martin did a great job guiding the team out of a difficult qualifying group – where we beat World Champions Germany along the way – to reach EURO 2016 and advance to the Last-16 following a historic victory over Italy in Lille.
“I wish Martin, and the management team, the very best for the future.”
The search for a new managers will now begin “promptly” ahead of the qualification campaign for Euro 2020.
