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The FAI, in association with the Department of Sport and the Irish Sports Council, conducted interviews of five candidates earlier this week.
And they have been quick to make an appointment, with Delaney – as expected – landing the top job on a permanent basis.
Milo Corcoran, the FAI’s President, admitted that recent developments under Delaney’s leadership had played a part in the decision.
He said: “Great progress has been made over the past three months and I am looking forward to that progress continuing apace under the stewardship of John Delaney.”
And Delaney, who served as treasurer of the Association in the past and was a central figure for mediation during the pre-World Cup Saipan saga of 2002, is keen to continue the good work now that his appointment has been confirmed.
He said: “The development of the game throughout the community as we implement the FAI’s Technical Development Plan is an absolute priority.
“We have huge challenges in getting our children interested and active in football and we must invest heavily now in order to reap the benefits in the next ten years.
“As an organisation with over 400,000 active participants, we need to constantly engage with all our partners including sponsors, Government, the general public and our supporters.
“We have succeeded in finalising agreements worth over €20 million to the Association in recent weeks and we need to continue to attract commercial partners and sponsors to generate the income to invest in the game.”