TheCable

Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura, the Senegalese and 21-year United Nations veteran, has been appointed as the secretary-general of FIFA.

The announcement was made by Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, at the 66th congress of the federation, which held in Mexico.

“Fatma is a woman with international experience and vision who has worked on some of the most challenging issues of our time.” FIFA.com quoted Infantio as saying.

“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.

“It is essential for FIFA to incorporate fresh perspectives – from outside the traditional pool of football executives – as we continue to restore and rebuild our organisation. No one exemplifies what we need more than Fatma does, and we are thrilled that she has joined our team.”

Samoura has expressed her happiness over the appointment, promising to put in her best.

“Today is a wonderful day for me, and I am honored to take on the role of FIFA’s Secretary General,” she said.

“I believe 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.”

Samoura is the United Nation’s resident/humanitarian coordinator and UNDP resident representative in Nigeria.