FAI positions: The two posts at the heart of the FAI's recent run-in with the Minister of Sport, John O'Donoghue - the organisation's chief executive and finance director - are advertised in today's The Irish Times.

The publication of the advert meets the end-of-year deadline set by O'Donoghue nearly two months ago when Fran Rooney left the FAI and it was initially reported that John Delaney was to take on the role for at least a year before any attempt would be made to seek a permanent replacement.

Delaney, who subsequently accepted the post on an interim basis, has already confirmed he will be applying for the job in the long-term and his supporters will be delighted with the unusually long job description which forms part of the advert and could almost have been written with their man in mind.

In the ad it is stated that the candidate will have financial experience, management skills and a proven track record in providing strong leadership and team building. It states the successful candidate will have both detailed knowledge of sport generally, as well as football in particular, and firm beliefs on their places in society.

Those intent on applying have until Friday, January 28th, to register their interest with Amrop Hever, the recruitment firm handling the process, at their offices in Iona Buildings, Shelbourne Road, Dublin.

No details are provided regarding the remuneration package on offer but it is stated the figure will be "set to attract candidates of the highest calibre". Rooney is believed to have been on around €290,000 a year with additional benefits worth around €60,000.

One FAI official recently expressed concern at the scale of the remuneration on offer because of its implications for any pay-off if the association again decides to dispense with its chief executive.

It is not clear when any appointment will be made and a spokesman for the association said yesterday he was not aware of any timetable. However, with at least two rounds of interviews to be completed and the potential for renewed strife between the FAI and the Government over the make-up of the panel that will make the decision, nothing is likely to be decided before spring.

Also advertised in today's The Irish Times is the newly-created post of finance officer, one of the four key management positions recommended under the terms of the Genesis report.

The decision to advertise the new job was taken with considerable reluctance after it was argued, chiefly by Delaney, that the association's current financial accountant Peter Buckley should be and already had in effect been appointed from within. In the end, however, O'Donoghue has had his way on this issue too although Buckley remains the favourite for the job.