DHAKA: Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura has been appointed as Fifa’s first female secretary general to succeed Jerome Valcke.

Samoura, 54, spent 21 years working for the United Nations and will start at football's governing body in June, BBC reports on Saturday (May 14).

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said that ‘It is essential Fifa incorporates fresh perspectives as we continue to restore and rebuild our organization.’

‘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's appointment, announced at Fifa's congress in Mexico City, completes a new-look to an organisation which has been dogged by corruption allegations under Valcke and previous president Sepp Blatter.

Samoura, who will undergo an eligibility check before her role is ratified, currently works for the UN in Nigeria, and speaks four languages.

BDST: 0832 HRS, May 14, 2016
SAS/AKA