By Victor Kanayo
Ahead of her exit, World football governing body, FIFA, has approved the appointment of Mattias Grafstrom as Deputy Secretary-General.
Grafstrom, said to be FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s ally, has also been ratified as the next man to replace outgoing Secretary-General Fatma Samoura.
Samoura, a Senegalese, is currently dusting her feat to step down after seven years of service, with all eyes on his potential successor.
Reports have it that Swedish Grafstrom, the confidential adviser of Gainni Infantino is in pole position to become FIFA’s next number two.
Grafstrom Experience
Grafstrom, from Sweden, a longtime confidant of Infantino, joined the organisation in 2016 as Deputy Director of the FIFA Legal Division, before being promoted to special adviser to Infantino.
His experience in the legal field and his close involvement in the organisation’s strategic decisions make him a strong candidate to occupy a leading role at FIFA.
Close Relationship With Infantino
Grafstrom has had a close relationship with Infantino for many years.
He worked closely with the President of FIFA to implement major reforms within the organisation and to deal with the challenges it faced.
Their close collaboration and mutual trust make Grafstrom a natural choice to succeed Fatma as Infantino’s right-hand man.
His solid professional background and his close relationship with Infantino makes him an ideal candidate for this key role.
He will be responsible for continuing the reforms and meeting the future challenges facing the organisation.
