A former FAI official has been appointed President of MLS side Colorado Rapids.
Pádraig Smith worked as head of finance at Abbotstown before moving to UEFA, where he worked on the governing body’s Financial Analysis Group and oversaw Financial Fair Play and Licensing regulations.
He moved to the USA in 2015 and took up the role of Sporting Director at the Rapids.
Smith was promoted to Executive Vice President and General Manager in 2018.
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, the group that owns the Rapids and Arsenal, among others, on Thursday confirmed his appointment as President of the US franchise.
Josh Kroenke, son of Gunners owner Stan Kroenke, announced the appointment, saying: “Pádraig has led the club with great distinction over the past five years and has built a strong foundation on which we can continue to grow both on and off the field.
“He brings a level of expertise and leadership to the organisation that is grounded in his extensive experiences in Europe and the US, and we believe he is the ideal person to help us achieve our goals as an organisation, and in particular, our goal of bringing another MLS Cup to Colorado.”
Smith’s new contract takes him up to the end of the 2026 season, during which the World Cup will be held in the US, as well as Canada and Mexico.
One of his new responsibilities will be advancing the relationship between the MLS side and Arsenal.
Smith said: “This club and the community it represents mean so much to me and I am deeply honoured to continue to lead this organisation and such a talented group of people.
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