Irish FA confirms Bowen exit

The Irish Football Association has confirmed that general secretary David Bowen has stepped down from his role.

An IFA statement on Tuesday said Bowen had agreed an "amicable settlement" in relation to his contract which was scheduled to run for another 11 years.

The IFA recently appointed Howard Wells as its inaugural chief executive and he will now take day-to-day charge of the Northern Ireland football body.

IFA president Jim Boyce praised Bowen's "outstanding commitment".

"David has shown great loyalty to the Association since his commencement of employment in 1978 and has led the association with dignity through difficult days," added Mr Boyce.

Bowen will continue to represent the IFA at UEFA as a member of its disciplinary committee until the end of his current term.

He will act as a consultant to the IFA for the next twelve months during its 125th anniversary celebrations.

Bowen stated that this was an appropriate time to take a back seat and thanked the association for a "wonderful 27 years, the high spots of which were the World Cup Finals of 1982 and 1986".

He wished the IFA and his successor Howard Wells every success in the future.