STEPHEN Kenny has replaced Mick McCarthy as the Republic of Ireland manger with immediate effect, the FAI has confirmed.
McCarthy was due to lead Ireland into the Euro 2020 play-off against Slovakia last month.
The outbreak of the Covid-19 virus and the resulting shutdown of sport meant that game was postponed until June.
The European finals have been deferred to the summer of 2021 and the play-off game was pushed back further this week.
No date as been set, but FAI sources indicate that it could be early 2021 before the play-off fixtures are played.
Kenny – the current Irish under-21 boss – had been due to take over on August 1, but the Football Association of Ireland today moved to address the matter.
A statement from the Association said: “The Football Association of Ireland announces that Mick McCarthy is to be succeeded as national team manager by Stephen Kenny with immediate effect.
“The handover has been agreed with both men in light of the delay to the European Championship play-offs caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Mick McCarthy’s contract was due to expire on July 31st after the Uefa Euro 2020 finals, with Stephen initially scheduled to step up from his Under-21 team role on August 1st.
“This move allows Stephen Kenny time to plan for the European Championship play-off semi-final against Slovakia later in the year.”
An FAI sub-committee came to the conclusion in discussions held via conference calls in recent days.
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