Stephen Martin has concluded his six-year tenure as Chairman of the Irish Football Association.
Martin, who took up the role in 2020, chaired the Association through an important chapter, helping guide football in Northern Ireland during the unprecedented disruption of COVID-19 while supporting strategic advances across facilities, finance, governance, inclusion, and the women’s and girl’s game. He leaves the Irish FA strongly positioned after a period of significant progress, resilience and ambition for football in Northern Ireland.
Martin said: “It has been a privilege, and an enjoyable experience, to chair the Irish Football Association and to contribute to a period of real progress and growth for football in Northern Ireland.
“Despite significant challenges, the Association has continued to move forward professionally and positively, thanks to my fellow board members and the commitment of people right across the football family.
“I am grateful to everyone who has worked so hard in contributing to that progress, many of them volunteers, and I wish my successor as Chairman every success leading the Association in the coming years.
Irish FA Chief Executive, Patrick Nelson, paid tribute to Martin’s leadership:
“Stephen has provided strong, committed leadership during a period of significant progress and, at times, considerable challenge.
“Under his chairmanship, the Association has continued to strengthen financially and strategically while delivering important developments across all levels of the game.
“He led the board in progressing key areas such as the National Football Centre, the continued growth of women’s and girls’ football, our partnership in UEFA EURO 2028 and the opportunity to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035. These are all hugely significant for the future of football in Northern Ireland.
“Stephen has brought valuable experience and professional skills to the role, helping ensure the Association is well placed to serve the game for generations to come. On behalf of everyone at the Irish FA, I thank him for his leadership, commitment and contribution.”
Irish FA President Colin McKendry said Martin leaves a strong legacy:
“It has been a privilege to work alongside Stephen and to see first-hand the commitment and wise counsel he brought to the role.
“He was an inclusive chair who led the work of the board with considerable skill, thoughtfulness and wisdom. He is truly passionate about football in Northern Ireland.
“I thank Stephen for his considerable contribution and wish him every success for the future.”
