August 29 – Moya Dodd, one of the first women to serve on FIFA’s ‘old’ executive committee as a co-opted member and a forceful campaigner for gender equality, insists she is the right person to join FIFA’s new-look council when she takes on two rivals for the post at elections on September 27.
Dodd is one of eight candidates contesting the election in Goa for three available Asian Football Confederation places on the Council, at least one of whom has to be a woman.
The three nominated female contenders are Dodd, Mahfuza Ahkter of Bangladesh and Han Un Gyong of North Korea. As a non-voting member of FIFA’s exco Dodd has far more experience than both the others within FIFA’s political circles – she is also current chair of FIFA’s Women’s Football Taskforce
The new ruling FIFA Council will have one women’s seat per confederation and Dodd, who has served on the Asian Football Confederation’s Executive Committee since 2007 and is a former international player, commented: “In recent times, FIFA has been challenged like never before. Asia must to send its strongest team to FIFA to restore the faith of our stakeholders, and ensure that Asia’s interests are represented as big decisions are made.
“With years of experience on the Executive Committees of both FIFA and AFC, plus their various standing committees, I believe I can offer the skills, experience and credibility necessary to represent Asia in FIFA. “
“Football needs a strong, respected governing body. As Asia’s female representative, I will:
– support the implementation of the reforms within football’s ecosystem;
– promote inclusion and diversity in football development, including for women in football;
– work to restore FIFA’s reputation, and underpin commercial growth.
“The women’s seats in FIFA are a historic opportunity to make a difference at the highest level of governance. My track record shows that I will treat this position as a chance to contribute, not an entitlement to be enjoyed. I want to continue to work as an Asian voice for positive change at the global level,” she said.
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