Ward in talks over Republic of Ireland contract extension

The Republic of Ireland face Poland in a World Cup play-off in December [Getty Images]FAI chief executive David Courell said there are "live conversations" around Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward's contract ahead of their World Cup play-off against Poland. The former Aston Villa manager replaced Eileen Gleeson at the helm in January 2025 and has led the side to promotion to League A in the Nations League and their highest ever position in the Uefa rankings.Ward had been linked with vacant Women's Super League managerial roles in recent months but had thwarted speculation and said that "nothing is tempting when I'm in this job"."Yes. We're in live conversations with Carla and will continue to be," Courell replied when about Ward's contract at the FAI annual general meeting."We're really delighted with how Carla has performed. That's evident by reaching our highest-ever ranking in the world of 21."The team is in a really good space. They're stable, very focused on what they need to achieve and headed in the right direction. That's something that the association recognises and something the association wants to continue."In terms of where conversations are or where they may go, I'm not in a position to divulge that."Republic of Ireland men's manager Heimir Hallgrimsson signed a new deal ahead of their World Cup play-off in March, which the side lost after a penalty shootout to end their qualification dreams.Ward's contract is due to run out at the end of the current qualifying campaign with Courell not indicating the possible new terms at the AGM. The Republic of Ireland have lost just one of their past six games and now face Poland in a double-header for a spot at the World Cup in Brazil.Ward's side travel to Gdansk for the first leg on 1 December before the reverse fixture four days later at Aviva Stadium.