Noel Mooney extends commitment to FAW CEO role until 2030

Rhodri Evans - sENIOR jOURNALIST

Picture credit: FA Wales

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Noel Mooney has extended his contract with the Football Association of Wales as the organisation’s Chief Executive until 2030.

Mooney joined the FAW from UEFA in 2021 and quickly set about reshaping Welsh football’s direction.

Within his first three months, he launched the association’s long-term strategic vision, Our Wales / Ein Cymru, while also overseeing significant governance reform through the A Sustainable Association for the Future programme.

Since 2021, the FAW has implemented a number of changes across both the professional and grassroots game.

Participation figures have increased, with football now reported as the most popular sport among boys and girls in Wales based on interest and engagement.

The association has also expanded its involvement within UEFA and FIFA committees, increasing its presence in international football governance.

One of the most significant domestic developments during Mooney’s tenure has been the establishment of the Cymru Football Foundation, which has distributed close to £30 million into football facilities across Wales.

At league level, the JD Cymru Premier is now operating under a new long-term strategy supported by additional investment, while planning is ongoing for a similar framework for the Genero Adran Premier.

Craig Bellamy and Rhian Wilkinson were appointed as senior national team managers, and the FAW’s Girls’ Regional Academy programme has received recognition from FIFA.

Coach education structures have continued to evolve, alongside the creation of a national club support team serving approximately 850 affiliated clubs.

Speaking following confirmation of the extension, Mooney said the FAW still had “a lot to do” in its efforts to develop Welsh football and that his focus would remain on delivering the organisation’s long-term objectives through to the end of the decade.

“We are on a fantastic journey, and I want to thank everyone who is supporting us and Welsh football more generally,” said Mooney.

“We were confident that we could build a great sports organisation and we have already achieved so much in a relatively short space of time.

“However, we have a lot to do to become the world-class football association that we can and must become, and we are absolutely determined to deliver this fully before I pass the baton on to the next leader.”

Mooney added: “We believe football can play an increasing role in the confidence, success and inclusiveness of Cymru and we are absolutely focused on reaching our full potential in the years ahead.

“As the FAW motto expresses – ‘Gorau Chwarae Cyd Chwarae’ – I absolutely believe that the best play is team play.”

FAW President Mike Jones hailed Mooney for enabling the Association to “grow at every level.”

“Noel has brought a new level of ambition and collaboration to Welsh football, enabling us to grow at every level,” Jones said.

“Noel cares deeply about every club, league and Area Association in Wales, which we see every day in how he leads the organisation.

“He works closely with myself and the FAW Council to ensure that the voice of the members is carefully considered, and this leads to trust and collaboration which in turn leads to success.”

As the FAW celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026, the Association will launch a new ten-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening Welsh football at every level.

Mooney will continue to lead the organisation through this next phase to deliver this goal.