The Irish Football Association (IFA) has revealed that president Raymond Kennedy has 'agreed' to resign from the position with immediate effect.

A spokesperson for Northern Irish football's national governing body confirmed that Kennedy had abided by "the wishes of the council" and decided to relinquish the role. Kennedy, who will remain on the IFA council, said: "I would like to thank the Council members, member clubs, the staff at the Irish FA and the football fans for all the support they have given me in the past.

"I fully understand the concerns of all regarding future funding and as I have always maintained in the past I will never put this in jeopardy." It had been previously reported that Northern Ireland Executive funding for the overhaul of Windsor Park, the national stadium, would not be made available while Kennedy was president.