Latest update October 17th, 2026 10:25 AM
Jun 15, 2023 Sports
(Reuters) – Senegal’s Fatma Samoura will step down from her role as FIFA Secretary General at the end of the year, world soccer’s governing body said yesterday.
Samoura, who was a United Nations veteran, became the first woman to be named FIFA secretary general and was tasked with its day-to-day running as the body looked to fix its reputation after being embroiled in corruption scandals.
Her predecessor Jerome Valcke was fired in 2016 and banned for ethics violations.

FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samoura addresses delegates at the Integrated Polytechnic Regional Center (IPRC) Kigali stadium, during the inauguration of a FIFA football programme for all schools, in Kigali, Rwanda March 14, 2023. (REUTERS/Jean Bizimana/File Photo)
Advertisement · Scroll to continue
“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 fulfilment,” Samoura said in a statement.
“I had intended to share my news first with the FIFA Council members next week, but I am aware there has been growing speculation about my position in recent months.
“For now, I am fully focused on the preparation and delivery of the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.”
Samoura, who began her U.N. career with the World Food Programme in 1995 and served as country representative or director in six African countries, was heavily involved in improving women’s football.
“Fatma was the first woman, and the first African, to be appointed to such an important position at FIFA,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.
“We respect Fatma’s decision and I would like to thank her for such dedication and commitment to football.”
Samoura oversaw the restructuring of FIFA which included appointing two deputy secretary generals and creating a new women’s football division.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Oct 17, 2026
(Kaieteur News) – The Streetbike Championship will be decided in one last round on November 1 at the South Dakota Circuit. With just 14 points between the top three riders, the Caribbean Clash of...Oct 17, 2026
(Kaieteur News) – My next question to Guru was done via mail. I wrote to him and asked Dear Guru, There is a problem that affects millions of people, yet many suffer through it in silence. It is heartbreak. People will openly discuss their financial difficulties, seek medical attention when...Oct 11, 2026
By Sir Ronald Sanders (Kaieteur News) – Who speaks for Haiti? It is a question the international community can no longer avoid. For years, governments and international organisations have insisted that the country’s deepening crisis must have a “Haitian-led solution”. The principle is...Oct 17, 2026
(Kaieteur News) – It was Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo at his best. Mellowness amid a moment of mourning. A figure and contributor at his most solemn in an hour of reflection to honor the passing of Robert H. O. Corbin, Esq, MP, Deputy Prime Minister, and Opposition Leader. Let there be no...Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: glennlall2000@gmail.com / kaieteurnews@yahoo.com