Fifa secretary general Fatma Samoura to step down from role after seven years

Fatma Samoura, the secretary general of FIFA, has announced her decision to step down from her position after serving for seven years. The 60-year-old will be leaving at the end of this year to dedicate more time to her family. Before her departure, she will oversee the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

When Samoura was appointed in 2016, she became the first female and non-European to hold the role of FIFA secretary general. Her selection came as a surprise following the election of Gianni Infantino as FIFA president.

Reflecting on her time at FIFA, Samoura expressed her gratitude, stating, “It was the best decision of my life to join FIFA.” She added, “I am very proud to have led such a diverse team. FIFA today is a better governed, more open, more reliable, and more transparent organization. I will leave FIFA with a high sense of pride and fulfillment.”

While she remains focused on the upcoming Women’s World Cup, Samoura expressed her desire to spend more time with her family starting next year. She emphasized her lifelong love for football and expressed her honor to have been part of FIFA’s journey.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino paid tribute to Samoura, acknowledging her trailblazing contributions to the game. He stated, “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.” Infantino also expressed his confidence that Samoura will continue to contribute to the development of football and its social values.

During Samoura’s tenure, women’s football has experienced growth in popularity and organization. The upcoming 2023 Women’s World Cup will be the largest-ever women’s competition, featuring 32 teams, a testament to the progress made under her leadership.