Fatma Samoura, the secretary general of Fifa, will be stepping down from her position at the end of this year. After serving as Fifa’s secretary general for seven years, Samoura has decided to prioritize spending more time with her family.
Appointed in 2016, the 60-year-old will oversee the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand before officially leaving her role. Samoura, who was the first woman and non-European to hold this position, was an unexpected choice following Gianni Infantino’s election as Fifa president.
Reflecting on her tenure, Samoura expressed her satisfaction with her decision to join Fifa, stating, “It was the best decision of my life to join Fifa.” The former Senegalese diplomat and United Nations official also expressed pride in leading a diverse team, remarking, “Fifa today is a better governed, more open, more reliable, and more transparent organization. I will leave Fifa with a strong sense of pride and fulfillment.”
Samoura emphasized her current focus on preparing and delivering the upcoming Women’s World Cup and expressed her love for football, which has been a lifelong passion. However, she acknowledged her desire to dedicate more time to her family starting next year.
Fifa President Gianni Infantino praised Samoura’s contributions and respected her decision to step down, stating, “It has been a privilege and an honor 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 have been inspirational. Fatma will continue to contribute to the development of the game and its social values alongside us.”
Under Samoura’s leadership, women’s football has experienced increased popularity and organizational improvements. The upcoming 2023 Women’s World Cup will be the largest-ever women’s competition, featuring 32 teams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fifa secretary general
Q: When will Fatma Samoura step down from her role as Fifa’s secretary general?
A: Fatma Samoura will step down from her role as Fifa’s secretary general at the end of the year.
Q: How long has Fatma Samoura served as Fifa’s secretary general?
A: Fatma Samoura has served as Fifa’s secretary general for seven years.
Q: What will Fatma Samoura prioritize after stepping down?
A: After stepping down, Fatma Samoura will prioritize spending more time with her family.
Q: What notable achievements did Fatma Samoura accomplish during her tenure?
A: Fatma Samoura led efforts to make Fifa a better-governed, more open, reliable, and transparent organization. Additionally, women’s football saw increased popularity and organization under her leadership.
Q: What role did Fatma Samoura play in the upcoming Women’s World Cup?
A: Fatma Samoura will oversee the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand before leaving her position as Fifa’s secretary general.
Q: Who was the first female and non-European to hold the role of Fifa’s secretary general?
A: Fatma Samoura was the first female and non-European to hold the position of Fifa’s secretary general.
Q: How did Fifa President Gianni Infantino respond to Fatma Samoura’s departure?
A: Fifa President Gianni Infantino paid tribute to Samoura and respected her decision to step down, acknowledging her contributions and expressing confidence in her continued involvement in the development of the game.
More about Fifa secretary general
- Fifa Official Website
- Fifa Women’s World Cup Official Website
- Gianni Infantino – Fifa President
- Fatma Samoura – Biography
3 comments
fifa gonna miss fatma samoura! she made big diffrnce as 1st female non-euro sec gen. cant wait for the big womens world cup!
fatma samoura steppin dwn as fifa secretary general at end of yr! sad to c her go but famliy 1st!
omg! fatma samoura gonna leave fifa after 7 yrs! she did gr8 job boostin womens footbal n makin fifa better org. luv her passion!