The former general secretary and executive vice-president of AFFA Elkhan Mammadov has started working in his new position at FIFA.
The functionary, whose appointment took place in the middle of September, started his activities as the general director of relations with member associations of the institution on November 1, Idman.biz reports.
He replaced Kenny-Jean Marin, who left the organization in this position. Gelson Fernandes, a former player of the Swiss national team, was appointed as Mammadov's deputy.
Mammadov will retain his previous role and responsibilities as the director of FIFA's European National Associations Department. His deputy will also continue his work on Africa.
In the article published on their appointment, the official website of FIFA reported about our compatriot: "Before starting work at FIFA in May 2022, Elkhan Mammadov first worked as the general secretary and then as the executive vice president of AFFA for sports in his native Azerbaijan played a leading role in raising its standards. After joining FIFA to head the European National Associations Department, he played a key role in the implementation of the "FIFA Forward" program in its European member association. Gelson Fernandes, who played 67 matches for the Swiss national team, participated in three world championships and started working in FIFA shortly after finishing his rich football career. He has dual citizenship - Switzerland and Cape Verde. Fernandes has been responsible for the development of the 54 African member associations of FIFA since he left the position of vice-president of his home club Sion.
FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafström commented on the appointments: "Elkhan Mammadov's significant experience and lifelong commitment to football, combined with Gelson Fernandes' vision gained from his achievements on and off the field, will strengthen our commitment to our FIFA member 211 association." We collaborate with them to ensure their continuous development according to their needs. At the same time, we acknowledge Kenny's significant contribution to strengthening the impact of FIFA Forward over the past four years, including the launch of the third cycle of this program, which is essential for the development of global football infrastructures and programs. In addition, his key role in the successful establishment of our Paris office allowed us to be closer to our member associations on a daily basis. I want to sincerely thank Kenny for everything and wish him all the best for the future."
Mammadov commented on his appointment: "I am happy to take this position, to bring my experience to all 211 FIFA member associations at the national and continental level, and to continue the excellent work done by Kenny and the whole team."
Fernandes also spoke about his new job: "Having had the opportunity to be so closely involved with football on and off the field, I am looking forward to the new challenges of this position. I will support Elkhan and our team in achieving our collective goals."
Idman.biz
