By Victor Kanayo
Incumbent Secretary General of World Football governing body, FIFA, Fatma Samoura, has announced her intention to resign her position at the end of 2023.
Samoura, a Senegalese, made this known in a statement via the FIFA channel on Wednesday June 14, 2023.
Samoura Statement
Part of the statement said, “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.
“I had intended to share my news first with the FIFA Council members next week, but I am aware there has been growing speculation about my position in recent months.
“For now, I am fully focused on the preparation and delivery of the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.”
Infantino’s Acceptance
Accepting her resignation, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, “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.”
Samoura Before FIFA Incursion
Samoura, who was a United Nations veteran, became the first woman to be named FIFA secretary general.
Samoura, who began her UN career with the World Food Programme in 1995 and served as country representative or director in six African countries, was heavily involved in improving women’s football.
Her predecessor Jerome Valcke was fired in 2016 and banned for ethics violations.
