As football buffs around the world wonder the rationale behind FIFA’s appointment of Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura as the new secretary general of the world body, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has explained why the 54 year old Senegalese got the nod.
Still subject to passing an eligibility check, Samoura who will replace acting secretary general Markus Katttner in mid-June, has worked for the United Nations since 1995, when she led UN humanitarian efforts in Chad and Nigeria.
According to Infantino, “Fatma is a woman with international experience and vision who has worked on some of the most challenging issues of our time. 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,”said Infantino.
Responding to her appointment, the Senegalese lady who is making history as the first woman to occupy that position said that she is excited about her new role as it would afford her the opportunity to show the stuff she has in governance and management.
“Today is a wonderful day for me, and I am honoured to take on the role of FIFA Secretary General,” said Samoura in an official statement.
“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 under way”, she stressed.
Meanwhile one of the three female members currently on the FIFA Council, Moya Dodd from Australia described Samoura’s appointment as an important step towards greater diversity and independent thought.
