FIFA's First Female Secretary General Departs After Seven Years
Fatma Samoura has stepped down as secretary general of FIFA after seven years. Samoura was the first woman to hold the position.
Samoura, a 60-year-old Senegalese diplomat, was appointed to the role in 2016 by FIFA president Gianni Infantino. She was tasked with modernizing FIFA and restoring its credibility after a series of corruption scandals.
Samoura made a number of changes during her time at FIFA, including introducing a new code of ethics, increasing the number of women in leadership positions, and launching a new program to promote diversity and inclusion.
However, Samoura also faced criticism for her handling of some issues, including the decision to move the 2022 World Cup from Qatar to the United States.
In a statement, Samoura said she was stepping down to "spend more time with my family." She thanked Infantino for giving her the opportunity to serve FIFA and said she was proud of the work she had done.
Infantino said he was "deeply grateful" for Samoura's service and said she had made "a significant contribution" to FIFA. He said he would begin the process of appointing a new secretary general immediately.
Samoura's departure is a significant loss for FIFA. She was a strong and experienced leader who made a real difference in the organization. Her legacy will be one of modernization and reform.
It remains to be seen who will replace Samoura as secretary general. The new person will have a tough act to follow, but they will also have the opportunity to build on Samoura's work and continue to reform FIFA.