Drogheda ownership row deepens – Trivela pushes to remove Byrne as chair

Drogheda United’s ownership group Trivela has instructed club chairperson Joanna Byrne to step down, triggering a governance dispute that highlights tensions between investor control and local leadership at League of Ireland clubs.The US-based group, which acquired Drogheda United in 2021, has formally requested Byrne’s resignation as co-chair, citing concerns over governance and alignment with the club’s strategic direction.Byrne, who is also a Sinn Féin TD, has indicated she does not intend to step aside, setting up a potential standoff between the club’s ownership and its board leadership.She said: "Today’s developments are deeply upsetting, but not surprising. On a personal level, I am heartbroken. I have always put Drogheda Utd first and over the past month have continued to try and uphold the same.“I am under no illusion that this is solely as a result of my comments in my capacity as Sinn Féin spokesperson on sport that the Ireland-Israel match should not go ahead, and I think people will see it for what it is."I have always acted in the best interests of Drogheda United and its community, and I will not be resigning from my position as chair.”Trivela’s intervention reflects increasing assertiveness from multi-club ownership groups seeking tighter operational control across their portfolios, particularly where local governance structures remain in place.The group has expanded its football holdings in recent years and has aimed to introduce more centralised decision-making processes across its clubs.In a statement, the owners said: "Trivela Group can confirm that it has, pursuant to its authority under her service agreement with Drogheda Utd FC Limited, provided written instruction requiring Joanna Byrne to resign from her position as director and co-chair."We thank Ms Byrne for her service to Drogheda United and for the time and effort she devoted to the Club during her tenure as a director and co-chair."For the avoidance of doubt, this decision was not taken in any way on the basis of Ms Byrne’s political views or beliefs, which she has expressed freely and in a public manner for the duration of her directorship."Rather, this decision followed a statement made regarding private discussions with club ownership. This not only caused a breakdown in the trust and confidence necessary for her to continue in the role as a director of the club, but also sharpened the governance concerns that had been the topic of those original discussions."The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is understood to be monitoring developments, given its role in overseeing club licensing and governance standards within the League of Ireland.