The Global Ireland Football Foundation (GIFF) has announced the appointment of its founding Board of Directors and Director of Development, ahead of its formal launch in March.

Created to help aid the transformation of Irish grassroots football through the development of football facilities, GIFF is an independent organisation that will engage with private individuals and corporate partners in Ireland and around the world to attract new investment into grassroots football in Ireland. 

Colin Ryan has been appointed Chair of the Board, with Susan Whelan, Ray Wilson, Tony Keohane and Paul Cooke also joining the Board. Each Director brings experience of excelling in highly-influential roles, a vast network of global contacts and a passion for developing Irish football. 

As the Foundation starts to build out the executive, Nichola Mullen will take on the key position of Director of Development, with a responsibility for shaping the Foundation’s development strategy. A highly-skilled leader in strategic fundraising, organisational growth and community impact, Mullen will oversee the management of partnerships, fundraising, programme design and stakeholder engagement. 

With the official launch scheduled for March, GIFF has been established as a limited company and an independent legal entity in order to accelerate the process of connecting with potential investors who can help to support the development of much-needed facilities that will have a profound impact on grassroots football. 

Commenting on the appointments, Colin Ryan, Chair of the Global Ireland Football Foundation, said: “It is a privilege to lead the Global Ireland Football Foundation and to welcome such a diverse and experienced Board as we build a new global platform for supporting Irish football. 

“Our ambition is to enable purposeful, long-term investment that transforms football facilities and environments across Ireland. With the depth of experience across this Board, and with Nichola (Mullen) leading our development work, we are putting together a strong structure ahead of our formal launch in March. We are focused on creating facilities and opportunities that connects people, nurtures talent and delivers sustainable impact for generations to come. 

“The goal of this Foundation is to support the excellent work that so many clubs, leagues, administrators, partners, stakeholders, fans and volunteers do to keep Irish football moving forward. This hugely important work deserves to be acknowledged but equally backed by sustainable investment. I would also like to thank Rory Higginbotham for the excellent work done in establishing the framework for the Foundation.” 

Click here to access the FAI Facility Investment Vision and Strategy

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Global Ireland Football Foundation Board 

Colin Ryan (Chair) – Chief Strategy & Corporate Development Officer at Qualcomm. Colin brings senior global leadership experience across corporate strategy, partnerships and organisational growth including 25 years in senior leadership positions with Goldman Sachs. In addition to his role at Qualcomm, Colin is the founder of Clipper Street Capital Limited, a technology and media advisory and investment firm, through which he holds a minority interest in Salford City FC.  

Susan Whelan – Football and business executive and former Chief Executive Officer of Leicester City Football Club (2011–2025). During her tenure, Leicester City achieved its historic Premier League title in 2016, multiple European campaigns and significant off-field commercial and community growth. Susan, originally from Ireland, has been recognised in the UK with an OBE for services to football, the economy and the community, and holds honorary distinctions for her contribution to sport and business.  ​​​​​​​

Ray Wilson – Founding Director and Non-Executive Director at the Plenary Group, a global infrastructure investment and project delivery organisation. Based in Sydney, Ray brings extensive experience across finance, capital markets and large-scale infrastructure platforms. A proud Irishman, he is also a co-owner and Board member of Shamrock Rovers, providing strong insight into both infrastructure development and club football operations.  ​​​​​​​

Tony Keohane – Chair of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) Board, bringing leadership in governance, organisational reform and strategic oversight at Ireland’s national governing body for football. A former CEO and Chair of Tesco Ireland, he has also held a number of non-executive board roles including Chair of Ervia and Repak and Board member of Bord Bia. Tony is currently Chair of OUTsurance, Re-Turn, Circol ELT & Malone Group. ​​​​​​​

Paul Cooke – President of the FAI Board, a distinguished leader in Irish football administration with broad experience across governance, stakeholder engagement and the development of the game.  He is a qualified Chartered Accountant who has served as Managing Director of both the Irish Daily Star and the Sunday Business Post. He is a non-executive Director of the Cappagh Hospital Foundation in Dublin. 

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Global Ireland Football Foundation  ​​​​​​​
The Global Ireland Football Foundation is a newly established fundraising entity that will operate independently of the FAI, with its own governance framework, separate legal structure, and independent Board. 

The Foundation will provide a trusted platform for long-term impactful private funding that will support the FAI in achieving its facility investment vision and strategy, while seeking to build stronger, healthier and more inclusive communities.  

By promoting accessibility, increasing investment in disadvantaged areas, ensuring equitable opportunities, and encouraging youth participation, the Foundation will make a lasting difference for clubs, players, and supporters across the country and sustain the transformation of football in Ireland.

The Foundation’s formal launch is scheduled for March, with further announcements regarding initial programmes and partnerships to follow.