FIFA names Fatma Samoura soccer’s first female Secretary General – Tola Adenle

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Gianni Infantino, the president of football world, has named Fatma Samoura of Senegal to the post of Secretary General thereby becoming the most senior woman to ever assume that position.

Ms. Samoura, has been a diplomat with the United Nations for more than twenty years, and with her appointment, world football scores more than a single goal: gender sensitivity, a departure from the past dominated by entrenched interests and, perhaps most important, a person who should help the body with fresh insight from a non-sporting background.

While Ms. Samoura’s resume may contain non-sporting background, she is no stranger to the business of big budgets. She has been with the United Nations for over twenty years, and currently serves at UNDP, based in Nigeria where she resumed as the Resident Representative and UN Coordinator just a few months ago. Her experience spans many areas of the UN’s programs: the World Food Program, Humanitarian Affairs (refugees & displaced persons) and has served in many regions around the world for the UN.

Ms. Samoura will replace Jerome Valcke who, with the former president, Sepp Blatter, went down in the corruption scandal that plagued the football body in recent years. 

The new Secretary General therefore should be a welcome breath of fresh air to the organization as it strives to rebuild its image as well as look in traditional and new ways to generate revenues.

Fatma Samoura is 54 years old.

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016. 8:13 [GMT]