DUBLIN - The Football Association of Ireland have confirmed the appointment of Giovanni Trapattoni as new Republic of Ireland boss.
At a press conference in Dublin, which Trapattoni did not attend due to his club commitments at Salzburg, the FAI also revealed the Italian's salary will be part-funded by businessman Denis O'Brien, one of Ireland's richest men.
FAI president David Blood said: "The wait is over. We have appointed Giovanni Trapattoni as manager of the Republic of Ireland senior international team."
Trapattoni, who had confirmed his own appointment earlier on Wednesday, will take up his post on May 1 after the Austrian league season finishes.
Blood said the FAI board had agreed unanimously with the selection panel's recommendation of the 68-year-old, who has won 20 major trophies managing clubs in Italy, Germany, Portugal and now Austria.
His first game in charge of Ireland will be a friendly against Serbia on May 24 at Croke Park.
The major revelation to emerge from today's press conference was the financial assistance of billionaire O'Brien.
FAI chief executive John Delaney confirmed O'Brien's agreement to sponsor the new manager's wages gave the organisation licence to pursue a higher-profile candidate.
"This offer of financial assistance was a pivotal moment in the recruitment process," said Delaney in the press conference televised on Sky Sports News.
Delaney was keen to stress that the FAI only accepted O'Brien's assistance on the proviso he had no say over the recruitment and appointment process.
He also believes Ireland have the right man to take them forward following the disappointing reign of Steve Staunton.
"Everyone acknowledges that the senior international team has not achieved to the extent everyone has liked in the past five years," Delaney said.
"He's (Trapattoni) widely acknowledged as one of the most outstanding and successful coaches in the game."
