The results of an inquiry into the problems experienced by the Irish squad in the summer were released on Tuesday evening.

The independent inquiry - commissioned by the Football Association of Ireland - largely endorsed the criticisms made by former captain Roy Keane who co-operated with the report.

The Manchester United club captain was sent home from the World Cup following a row with the then manager Mick McCarthy over the team's training facilities at the training base in Saipan.

FAI chief Menton discussed the report with the association's board of management on Tuesday afternoon before announcing his decision to step down with immediate effect.

The FAI have unanimously recommended the acceptance and implementation of the review, and a meeting has been set up for 29 November to start the implementation process.

Menton said he had taken the decision for the "future of Irish football".

"I feel that from a personal and a professional perspective, the new chief executive's role is a job for someone else," said Menton.

Current FAI treasurer John Delaney had been mentioned as a likely successor to Menton but he has ruled himself out of contention on for family reasons.

The independent inquiry, commissioned after the departure of Roy Keane from the World Cup squad, calls for radical change in the management of the national side.

The report by Glasgow-based consultancy Genesis is particularly critical of the FAI's structures and culture.

It says there is "no culture of discipline" in FAI management, and that basic management techniques are non existent in the organisation.