Fatma Samoura to step down as FIFA secretary general

FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura, the first female and non-European to hold the role, is to leave her post at the end of the year.

Senegal-born Samoura was appointed in May 2016 and has overseen unprecedented growth in women's football, having headed up a complete restructure at FIFA that included a new and fully-developed Women’s Football Division.

She had previously spent two decades working for the United Nations, serving in seven African countries.

News of her departure comes just five weeks before the start of the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said it had been "a privilege and an honour to work with a trailblazer in the game".

"Ever since we met, I knew she would be superb for FIFA. Her passion and enthusiasm to drive change has been inspirational," said Infantino.

"Fatma was the first woman, and the first African, to be appointed to such an important position at FIFA. We respect Fatma’s decision and I would like to thank her for such dedication and commitment to football."

Samoura, who described joining FIFA as "the best decision of my life", added: "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. I look forward to spending the next six months bringing to life the 11 objectives that President Infantino announced at the FIFA Congress in Kigali in March.

"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."

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