Fatma Samoura to step down as FIFA Secretary General

Fatma Samoura, the first female and non-European Secretary General of world football governing body FIFA is to leave her role at the end of the year.

Senegal-born Samoura, who has been in the role for  seven years, has been acknowledged for playing a pivotal role in transforming the organisation, restoring its credibility and breaking down barriers.

Speaking as she announced her decision to step down, Samoura advised “it was the best decision of my life to join FIFA.

“I am very proud to have led such a diverse team. My first word of thanks goes to Gianni Infantino for giving me this dream job. He has shown trust, understanding and an incredible level of support. 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 organisation. I will leave FIFA with a high sense of pride and fulfilment.”

Noting that there had been speculation about her position in recent months, Samoura added “for now, I am fully focused on the preparation and delivery of the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

“I look forward to spending the next six months bringing to life the 11 objectives that President Infantino announced at the FIFA Congress in Kigali in March. From next year, I would like to spend more time with my family. I have been in love with football since I was eight years old and I feel honoured to have been on this journey.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino commented “it has been a privilege and an honour to work with a trailblazer in the game.

“Ever since we met, I knew she would be superb for FIFA. 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 such dedication and commitment to football. Fatma will continue to contribute towards the development of the game and its social values together with us.”

Appointed FIFA Secretary General, Samoura has overseen a complete restructure at FIFA that included the appointment of two Deputy Secretary Generals, a new and fully developed Women’s Football Division, a Technical Development Division, a Chief Compliance Officer, and improved programmes for FIFA’s 211 member associations.

Thanks to Samoura, players at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will enjoy the same conditions and service levels as the men at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

With 32 teams, it will be the biggest and best in the competition’s history, providing a fitting send-off for the FIFA Secretary General when she steps down in December.

Images: Fatma Samoura, Secretary General of world football governing body FIFA is to leave her role at the end of the year (top) and the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy (below). Credit: FIFA.