15-6-2023 (GENEVA) The International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) made a significant announcement on Wednesday, revealing that Secretary General Fatma Samoura will be leaving her position at the end of the year. After serving for seven years as the first female and non-European Secretary General, Samoura’s departure marks the end of an era for the world football governing body.
While FIFA praised Samoura’s work and accomplishments, the statement did not disclose who will succeed the Senegal-born Secretary General. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his appreciation for Samoura’s groundbreaking contributions to the game and her unwavering dedication to driving change within the organization.
Infantino stated, “It has been a privilege and an honor to work with a trailblazer in the game. Her passion and enthusiasm to drive change has been inspirational. Fatma was the first woman, and the first African, to be appointed to such an important position at FIFA. We respect Fatma’s decision, and I would like to thank her for her dedication and commitment to football.”
In response, Samoura expressed pride in her work at FIFA and revealed her intention to prioritize spending more time with her family in the future. She regarded her decision to join FIFA as the best of her life and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a diverse team.
Samoura stated, “It is a pleasure to work alongside someone that has transformed FIFA. FIFA today is a better governed, more open, more reliable, and more transparent organization. I will leave FIFA with a high sense of pride and fulfillment.”
Samoura disclosed the news of her departure ahead of time due to increasing speculation surrounding her future in recent months. She cited a desire to devote more time to her family and expressed deep appreciation for the sport of football, which has been a lifelong passion.
Having joined FIFA in May 2016 following a distinguished career spanning over two decades with the United Nations, Samoura’s tenure witnessed unprecedented growth in women’s football worldwide.
