For those who had come to love her transformative work at the world's biggest house of football, the news of her decision to step down as FIFA's Secretary General in June this year has not been palatable at all.
Fatma Samoura (full names, Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura), a Senegalese, became the first woman, and the first black woman at that, to become FIFA's Secretary General for the first time in 100 years after FIFA president, Gianni Infantino appointed her in 2016.
In seven eventful years of being at the saddle, Samoura earned a reputation as football's 'Iron Lady', wringing changes that have since stabilised the organisation that had hitherto been mired in deep corruption prior to her coming.
Her appointment coincided with the time FIFA's credibility, battered with corruption that saw the falls of former president, Sepp Blatter, CONCACAF president, Jack Warner, Secretary General, Jerome Valcke, UEFA president, Michel Platini and a host of other big names, needed restoration.
Once she assumed office on June 20, 2016, she proceeded to effect far-reaching changes that have today gone a long way in restoring the organisation's credibility as partners and sponsors now work with it with more confidence.
Samoura had brought her vast experience as a former United Nation's top executive to bear in the running of FIFA by overseeing the commercial and operational side of the organisation.
Her immense work in this regard has reflected on the fortunes of FIFA since 2016 -- the period in which it has staged two World Cups that have been massive successes.
She also oversaw the reordering of the organisational structure of FIFA in 2016, including the appointments of deputy secretary generals and the creation of a new women's football division.
She had shown a strong desire to pursue initiatives that have sought to enhance, rather than diminish, the profile of the sport.
She has been known to be vocal over equality for women in the sport, the fight against racism, and supporting humanitarian causes, using football as a strong tool.
On account of her strong personality and the success of the work she had done with the organisation, she has been feted and recognised severally by organisations that attach strong values to peace and developmental efforts across the globe.
The influential Forbes magazine ranked Samoura as number one in their Most Powerful Woman in International List in 2018, while the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) listed her as one of their top 100 women.
Samoura, born on September 9, 1962 clocked 61 this year. It is understood that the need to retire to a more private life must have informed her decision to quit from one of football's most attractive jobs in June this year.
She will be leaving the office effective from December 2, 2023.
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