FIFA appoints first female general secretary, Fatma Samoura

Fatma Samoura has become the first woman to hold the position of FIFA general secretary.

The Senegalese United Nations official was appointed in the role by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who made the announcement at the 66th congress in Mexico City.

"Fatma is a woman with international experience and vision who has worked on some of the most challenging issues of our time," said Infantino. "She has a 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, who has worked with the United Nations for 21 years, will begin her new role in mid-June.