Within hours of his team’s 1-1 draw with New Zealand, Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny was told his contract would not be renewed.
The decision by the Football Association of Ireland confirmed pre-match speculation that the friendly international would be his last game in charge.
Kenny (52) had been in the role since April 2020 but was expected to lose his job after Ireland failed to qualify for Euro 2024.
“The board agrees that now is the right time for change ahead of the friendly matches in March and June 2024 and the next Nations League campaign starting in September 2024,” the FAI’s statement said.
FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill said: “Over the period of his tenure, Stephen and his staff have worked tirelessly to create the right environment to support the development of our senior men’s team, and we are hugely grateful for that considerable contribution.
“Stephen has also overseen an important period of transition for our senior men’s national team and has given debuts to a significant number of new and younger players and this will serve as a solid platform for whoever now takes this group of players forward.”
After the match with the All Whites, Kenny acknowledged it could have been his last game.
READ MORE: Ireland manager Stephen Kenny: ‘It was a strange game, to say the least’ >>>>
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VIDEO: Highlights from All Whites 1-1 draw with Republic of Ireland >>>>
Result
Game played on Wednesday November 22, 2023 (NZT)
Aviva Stadium, Dublin, 8.45am (NZT)
Republic of Ireland 1 (Adam Idah 28′)
New Zealand 1 (Matt Garbett 59′)
For full replay of the match:
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