Template for football Governance

Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura

It is no longer news that Senegalese Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura have been appointed as the new Secretary General of FIFA. The president Gianni Infatino made this announcement at the FIFA congress held in  Mexico. This is a positive move by the FIFA executive as they have demonstrated their intention to show transparency and enhance good governance. I was particularly thrilled with the appointment for two  main reasons; firstly, She is the first African to be appointed to the lofty position. Secondly, she was appointed because of her track records with the United Nation coupled with the fact that she has no background in football. This has always been my belief that you do not have to have any background in football administration to attain such heights. This is what I will like to see happen in Nigeria, it should be more of competence rather the politics and self-interest that have bedevilled our football. 

Semoura is currently the resident UN's Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident representative in Nigeria. Some qualities are worth highlighting which I believe should be the yardstick for administrators wishing to serve in any capacity. I have witnessed football Chairmen/Presidents right from Late Group Captain Tony Ikhazobor to the present president  Amaju Pinnick and I can't recall any seasoned administrator. Now this is not to dismiss their efforts, I believe they did what they could but you simply can not give what you do not have. I have heard of one Mr Sunday Dankaro as being seasoned but I was a toddler when he was the NFA Chairman (1974-1980) so I cannot pass a conclusion on him. 

There are certain qualities I addressed below that were highlighted about the new Secretary General, which I think should be the standard for electing/appointing football administrators. 

Experience and Track Record  -  Infatino pointed out that Semoura is a woman with international experience and vision who has worked on some of the most challenging issues of our time. She has a proven ability to build & lead teams and she is known to improve the way organisations perform. She also has a proven track record in governance and compliance. The above statement buttresses the fact that experience is very essential and as stated, any aspiring administrator should be able to bring some to the table which will move the football industry forward. 

Competence - The core competence of  Semoura are strategic and high impact team building which is highly required for her new role. It just goes to show that she is prepared for the position . She is capable and can handle similar challenges in any global organisation

Capacity -  In her current UN role in Nigeria, Ms Samoura has a wide range of responsibilities which includes budgeting, human resources and procurement among others. She also coordinates the activities of approximately 2,000 staff members. She monitors and evaluates the security. It is glaring that she is the right peg in the role. She has developed capacity over time and this will come in handy when managing the affairs of an organisation as large as FIFA.

Character - The FIFA president praised the new Secretary General for her integrity, and that has been a major concern in Nigeria football administrators. 


In the light of the above, if we give deep thoughts to our administrators past/present ,It is difficult to ascribe the qualities above to any of them rather some of them see the attainment of  positions as a means to an end.

 I look forwarded  to day when our football would be run by someone proven with the corporate  sector and  possesses the qualities highlighted above.