The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has appointed Nadine Conlon as an independent director to its board, strengthening governance and strategic oversight within the organisation. The appointment reflects the FAI's commitment to enhancing board composition with independent expertise across key areas including finance, risk management, and organisational development.

Sport for Business reported that the appointment forms part of the FAI's ongoing governance reforms and board development strategy.

Conlon brings extensive experience in financial management, corporate governance, and strategic planning to the role. As an independent director, she will provide objective oversight and contribute to strategic decision-making whilst ensuring the FAI maintains robust governance standards and accountability frameworks.

The appointment follows the FAI's implementation of comprehensive governance reforms in recent years, including changes to board structure, increased transparency measures, and enhanced accountability mechanisms. Independent directors play a critical role in sports associations by providing impartial guidance, challenging management assumptions, and safeguarding organisational integrity.

The FAI's focus on board composition reflects broader trends across sports associations and membership organisations, where independent expertise strengthens governance capacity, improves risk oversight, and enhances stakeholder confidence. Professional associations increasingly recognise that diverse board composition, including independent members with specialised expertise, drives better strategic outcomes and institutional resilience.

Conlon's appointment demonstrates how sports associations leverage independent directors to balance member representation with professional governance expertise, ensuring boards can effectively navigate complex regulatory environments, financial challenges, and strategic opportunities.

The FAI continues to build governance capability as it develops football across Ireland whilst maintaining high standards of institutional accountability and transparency.

Read the full announcement on the Football Association of Ireland's latest board appointment and governance developments.