FIFA appoints first female Secretary-General

Senegal’s Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura has been appointed as FIFA’s first female secretary general.

The 54-year-old will be stepping into the shoes of erstwhile scribe, Jerome Valcke, who was banned from football-related activities for 12 years.

“It is essential FIFA incorporates fresh perspectives as we continue to restore and rebuild our organisation,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino was quoted as saying by the BBC.

“She has a proven ability to build and lead teams, and improve the way organisations perform. Importantly for FIFA, she also understands that transparency and accountability are at the heart of any well-run and responsible organisation.”

Samoura, who has spent 21 years working for the United Nations, will start a new chapter at football’s governing body in June after she undergoes an eligibility check before her role is ratified.

Speaking on her appointment, Samoura said: “Today is a wonderful day for me, and I am honoured to take on this role,” she said.

“This role is a perfect fit for my skills and experience – strategic, high-impact team building in international settings – which I will use to help grow the game of football all over the world.

“I also look forward to bringing my experience in governance and compliance to bear on the important reform work that is already underway at FIFA.

“FIFA is taking a fresh approach to its work – and I am eager to play a role in making that approach as effective and lasting as possible,” she said.