Senegalese pacesetter Fatma Samoura set to step down as FIFA secretary general

Fatma Samoura, the current secretary general of FIFA, is set to hang up her boots after an impressive seven-year stint on the field.

Just like a seasoned player, she has decided to take a break from the game to focus on her family.

Joining the team back in 2016, the 60-year-old Senegalese has been crucial to FIFA’s operations. As a final act of her career, she will be leading the charge in this year’s thrilling Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, showcasing her skills one last time before making her graceful exit from the pitch.

Samoura’s appointment as FIFA’s secretary general was a true underdog story, catching everyone off guard. In a league dominated by Europeans, she broke the mold as the first female and non-European to hold this esteemed position. Her unexpected appointment followed Gianni Infantino’s election as FIFA president, making it a formidable duo leading the global football federation.

“It was the best decision of my life to join Fifa,” she said.

ALSO READ: Nigerian striker Peter Olayinka joins Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade

Former Senegalese diplomat and United Nations official Samoura 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 organisation. I will leave FIFA with a high sense of pride and fulfillment.

ALSO READ: Luka Modric snubs Saudi Arabia to extend Real Madrid stay

“For now, I am fully focused on the preparation and delivery of the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

“From next year, I would like to spend more time with my family. I have been in love with football since I was eight years old and I feel honoured to have been on this journey.”

FIFA president Infantino paid tribute to Samoura and said he respected her decision to depart.

“It has been a privilege and an honour to work with a trailblazer in the game,” he added.

“Ever since we met, I knew she would be superb for FIFA. Her passion and enthusiasm to drive change has been inspirational. Fatma will continue to contribute towards the development of the game and its social values together with us.”

During Samoura’s time as head of Fifa’s administration, women’s football has become more popular and more organised. The 2023 Women’s World Cup will be the biggest-ever women’s competition and features 32 teams.