The Saudi Arabian team Al-Fateh is presently managed by the former manager of Croatia and West Ham, with a contract that runs through the summer of 2025.
Though there has been talk that Bilic is a strong candidate to succeed Stephen Kenny, people close to the 55-year-old say there has been no communication with the FAI and he is expected to uphold his contract with his current employers.
In advance of the forthcoming home friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland, legendary defender John O’Shea was named interim manager last week.
The Football Association of Ireland then announced that they would name a permanent manager for the team the following month.
Neil Lennon and Chris Coleman surfaced as potential successors to Stephen Kenny after progress stopped, while England U-21 manager Lee Carsley was initially the front-runner to succeed Kenny.
Further information regarding the manager search was supposed to be presented at a press conference last Friday with O’Shea and FAI Director of Football Marc Canham, however inclement weather forced cancellation.
Slaven Bilic’s associates have knocked down a rumor that he could take over as manager of Ireland, pointing out that his deal with Al-Fateh, a Saudi Pro League team, expires in June 2025.
