Fatma Samoura

World soccer body FIFA named Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura of Senegal, a 21-year veteran of U.N. humanitarian programmes, as its new secretary general on Friday.

She is the first woman ever to head FIFA secretariat.

“Fatma is a woman with international experience and vision who has worked on some of the most challenging issues of our time,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

“She has 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.”

Samoura is currently the U.N. Development Programme Resident Representative in Nigeria.

” Importantly for FIFA, she also understands that transparency and accountability are at the heart of any well-run and responsible organisation.

“It is essential for FIFA to incorporate fresh perspectives — from outside the traditional pool of football executives — as we continue to restore and rebuild our organisation,” Infantino added.

Samoura began her United Nations career with the World Food Programme in Rome in 1995 and has served as country representative or director in six African countries.

“FIFA is taking a fresh approach to its work — and I am eager to play a role in making that approach as effective and lasting as possible,” she said.