The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has defended its decision to remove former international Colin Healy from his position on the women’s senior international team’s coaching staff, emphasising that it was purely a "football decision."

This development overshadowed the announcement of Carla Ward as the successor to Eileen Gleeson. Just two hours before Ward’s introductory media event, Healy issued a public statement expressing his disappointment at the manner of his departure from the FAI.

Healy alleged that he had declined a managerial offer in the League of Ireland based on what he described as a "verbal assurance" from Marc Canham, the FAI's head of football operations, that his contract would be renewed. Canham has disputed this claim.

FAI CEO David Courell denied accusations that the organisation acted insensitively, particularly given Healy’s personal circumstances following the loss of his wife, Kelly, to cancer.

“We are absolutely sympathetic to Colin’s family situation. He is highly regarded and well-liked within the association. The team rallied around him during that difficult time, and my heart goes out to him,” Courell stated. “However, this was a football decision, and as such, this is where we stand.”

Courell also addressed Healy’s claim that a text exchange between them implied Healy had chosen to leave voluntarily. “The exchange was very clear — his contract had not been renewed. We were aware through his agent that he had other job offers. While we were open to the new head coach potentially retaining Colin as assistant, it is standard for head coaches to choose their own staff,” Courell explained.

Regarding Healy’s claim of a "verbal assurance" about his contract renewal, Canham clarified that no such guarantees were made. “We did not provide Colin with any guarantees or assurances. The focus was always on the head coach, and decisions would follow a review, particularly after the Wales games. There were no promises made about renewing Colin’s contract,” Canham said.

Healy expressed disappointment on social media about not being named in the FAI’s press release announcing Gleeson’s departure. Canham acknowledged this as an area for improvement.

“Colin wasn’t mentioned in the press release, which we acknowledge could have been handled better. However, it was communicated to Colin after the board meeting that his contract would not be renewed,” Canham noted. “In hindsight, we could have provided greater clarity, but we had to prioritise Eileen Gleeson’s departure as the head coach. This decision was not personal but based solely on football considerations.”

Despite the controversy, the FAI reiterated its respect for Healy and acknowledged the challenges he has faced over the past year. “We understand Colin’s personal circumstances have been devastating, and we have tried to support him. However, we must make difficult decisions in the best interests of the team,” Canham concluded.