FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura is stepping down at the end of the year after seven years in which she played a pivotal role in transforming the organization. The Senegalese woman was not only the first female, but also the first non-European person to hold this position.
FIFA announces the departure of the 60-year-old from this position while stressing that she has helped to transform the governing body of world football and restore its credibility. “Women’s football will have reached new heights under her leadership.”
“Joining FIFA was the best decision I made in my life,” said Fatma Samoura. “I am happy to have led such a diverse team. First of all, I would like to thank Gianni Infantino for giving me this incredible opportunity.
According to her, the FIFA boss “gave her his trust and provided tremendous support while always showing great understanding”. “It’s great to have been able to work alongside someone who has truly transformed FIFA. Today our body is better run, more open, more reliable and more transparent. I will leave FIFA with great pride and the feeling of accomplishment,” said Mrs. Samoura.
Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura was appointed FIFA’s first female secretary general by Gianni Infantino on May 13, 2016. Prior to that, she held various positions at the United Nations. In 2018, Forbes ranked her number 1 in their list of the most powerful women in international sports.