Speaking at a press conference to introduce new Republic of Ireland boss Carla Ward on Thursday, Canham insisted that Healy had not received any assurance that his contract would be renewed.
Canham explained the decision not to retain his services, nor that of Gleeson, had been made based on a review conducted after the Wales play-off defeat.
“The decision not to renew Colin’s contract was purely a football decision,” said Canham.
“We didn’t give Colin any guarantees or full assurances that his contract would be renewed. That was always gong to be be based on the findings of the review and how the games went against Wales.”
Canham added that the FAI had explained to Healy that he was at liberty to decide whether to wait to be considered for the role of number two under the next Republic manager or take up the position of manager with Cobh Ramblers.
FAI chief executive David Courell concurred that it was Healy’s decision to turn down the opportunity with Cobh.
“As regards the conversation I had with Colin, it was very clear that Colin’s contract was not being renewed, that it has concluded, it couldn’t have been any clearer,” said Courell at Thursday’s media event.
“We were always open to whoever was appointed head coach considering Colin as a number two, but it’s always most important for that new coach to have their own choice and their own opportunity to appoint their own number two.
“I expressed that I understood that if he had another opportunity, if he wanted to take that, it was a risk for him.”
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