Jonathan Hill's FAI future under increasing threat as two FAI directors considered quitting

Jonathan Hill’s future as chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland is coming under increasing threat as it emerges that two directors considered quitting over his payments saga.

The FAI leadership is locked in a state of paralysis following the freeze on €6.8m of essential Government funding.

They have also been called before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for a grilling on the handling of overpayments to their supremo and other serious governance matters.

Hill’s attempt to contain the scandal by apologising to staff over receiving €12,000 in lieu of holidays not taken, despite this practice being outlawed, has failed to quell the controversy.

A Sports Ireland-commissioned audit by KOSI also revealed that €8,500 in benefit in kind (BIK) was liable on the expenses he was reimbursed for arising from his regular commutes. Monies have since been repaid.

Hill originally agreed to relocate to Dublin when appointed as John Delaney's successor three years ago but has remained at his London base since and only began shouldering his own costs since January.

The episode, coming four years after the corporate and financial crisis that led to John Delaney’s 15-year reign as CEO ending, has angered both staff and a rump of board members.

The Irish Examiner has also learned that two directors considered resigning from the board after details of the top-up were first revealed at a meeting of the Audit, Risk Compliance and Finance committee (ARFC) at Abbotstown towards the end of October.

It is understood the payment was first brought to light - “in an almost casual manner” – in that forum at the end of October.

The meeting was attended by at least four directors, one of whom, Robert Watt, was unaware of the details