The former head of the Irish Football Association, Howard Wells, has said he is satisfied with a six-figure payout for unfair dismissal.

Wells was sacked from his high profile £100,000 post in controversial circumstances by the footballing body last October, after a tumultuous four-year stint.

But yesterday — just four days before an Industrial Tribunal was due to hear his case for unfair treatment — the tribunal office was informed the matter had been settled.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph last night, Mr Wells said he was pleased with the result.

“The matter has been settled and I’m satisfied with the outcome,” he said.

The IFA issued no statement, but this will be a huge setback for an organisation that only made £60,000 in the last financial year.

Indeed, it is understood the overall amount could run to several hundred thousand pounds, including Mr Wells' settlement and legal costs. Mr Wells was sacked in October 2008, two days before a crucial Northern Ireland World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park.

His dismissal came two months after it emerged he had taken an internal grievance case against the IFA.

One of his complaints was that — as a Englishman — he was allegedly subjected to racial abuse. He also claimed a dispute over an unpaid £30,000 bonus payment.

Mr Wells named two individuals in his complaint, one of them IFA president Raymond Kennedy, who has now succeeded him as chief executive.

Gary McAlister, spokesman for the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs, last night said it was time to move on.

“The majority of our members supported his dismissal at the time because Mr Wells had managed to alienate many supporters,” he added.