Lydia Nsekera was elected to the FIFA Executive Committee at the body’s annual congress on Friday, becoming the first woman to be selected.
Nsekera has been the president of Burundi’s Football Association since 2004, and was also appointed to the International Committee in 2009.
The 46-year-old was running against Australia’s Moya Dodd and Sonia Bien-Aime of the Turks and Caicos Islands for the spot, which was set apart for a female after president Sepp Blatter committed to adding women to the FIFA ExCo.
“It’s a historic day for football and a great day for women,” Dodd said.
“I’d like to contribute to the best governance of the game, and to fight against match manipulation and discrimination.
“Football is the sport everybody loves; no-one should be excluded. And we should not only protect the game, but also fight against discrimination outside of football.”
There was a sourer moment for Blatter, however, as Mark Pieth, an Swiss lawyer managing FIFA’s reform process, called on the president to reveal his salary in order to promote greater transparency in the organisation.
Speaking in front of 209 FIFA executives, including Blatter, Pieth said: “A key remaining issue in transparency is the remuneration of key officials. These did not come overnight for other organisations either but FIFA needs to catch up.
“I would like to invite the president and members of the executive committee to take this step as it would send a crucial message to their constituencies and to the wider public that they have nothing to hide.
“It is unfortunate that this Congress may not be able to take a decision on age and term limits either. These may not be the most fundamental of reform issues but they send a symbolic message.”
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SoccerNews
Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.
You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.