Niall Quinn has said that Wednesday's appearance by representatives of the FAI before the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport is the first time he has ever been "truly embarrassed" by the association.
Speaking on Virgin Media's Champions League coverage on Wednesday, the former Ireland international said:
It was very, very disappointing what happened today. I believe that the association had an opportunity to reach out to the people to say, 'Hey, listen, this is what happened and we want to get to the bottom of it ourselves. It was one of those times but we're doing good stuff; we're looking for your support, it was the right thing to do at the time'.
But what happened after putting in a typical John Delaney intro about how well things are [going] and how much he wants to be applauded for doing the right thing for the association, to stonewall it then legally was hugely disappointing. That was poor. I thought he had more in him than that.
I'll go as far to say that with 92 caps for the country, today, for the first time in my life, I was truly embarrassed of my association. This is as low a point as I can remember. I felt really uncomfortable watching that. At times it was like watching the Sopranos in action, the Untouchables, I did not enjoy it.
With Sport Ireland stopping funding to the organisation, with the FAI’s behaviour today, I think this could be the remaining bit of the catalyst for change.
Quinn also reiterated his stance that he will not be applying for the vacant FAI CEO position.
"I have said that this is not a job for me and I stand by that," said Quinn.
"This is not the time for a celebrity CEO. This is a job for a brilliant hard working person with the right qualifications to get the job done.
"The association needs a reboot, the League of Ireland needs to be moved up the agenda of importance and we need to look at opening up pathways for new players.
"I’d welcome someone with a ten year plan and a vision to change the image of Irish soccer. They need to go in and reenergise that organisation and give it a boost behind closed doors.
"I’m fast forwarding to a day when we have a robust and insightful CEO who is in there doing great work and re-establishing the trust in the organisation."
"I thought he (John Delaney), had more in him than that."
"After 92 caps for my country, today for the first time in my life, I was truly embarrassed of my association.
"It was like watching the Sopranos, the untouchables."
Niall Quinn on John Delaney & the FAI today. pic.twitter.com/11eZ7L2VPD— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) April 10, 2019
