Fifa appoints its first female secretary general to succeed Jerome Valcke

'We want to embrace diversity and we believe in gender equality,' says Fifa President Gianni Infantino

Fatma Samoura, 54, has worked for the United Nations for 21 years (AP)

Fifa has appointed UN official Fatma Samoura to be its first ever female secretary general.

She will replace Jerome Valkcke who has been banned from football-related activities for 12 years.

Ms Samoura, 54, has worked for the United Nations for 21 years, where she has served as a country representative and as a director in six different African countries, including Nigeria.

Her appointment was announced at Fifa's congress in Mexico City.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino told the assembly: "We want to embrace diversity and we believe in gender equality.

"It is essential Fifa incorporates fresh perspectives as we continue to restore and rebuild our organisation.

It has been hoped the recent appointments will help dispel the widespread corruption found in the upper echelons of international football.

Mr Infantino is also a recent appointment, taking over from Sepp Blatter in February.

He added: "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.

Ms Samoura described her appointment as an honour and a "wonderful day", BBC reports.

She said: "This role is a perfect fit for my skills and experience - strategic, high-impact team building in international settings - which I will use to help grow the game of football all over the world.

"I also look forward to bringing my experience in governance and compliance to bear on the important reform work that is already underway at Fifa.

"Fifa is taking a fresh approach to its work - and I am eager to play a role in making that approach as effective and lasting as possible."

Ms Samoura will undergo an eligiblilty check before her appointment is ratified.