“Jill Ellis” becomes FIFA’s chief football officer

FIFA has appointed former United States women's national team coach Jill Ellis as its first-ever Chief Football Officer, marking a significant development in global football administration. Ellis, who led the U.S. women's team to World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019, will work alongside FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, to implement the organization's worldwide football strategy.

The 58-year-old Ellis steps into this pioneering role after serving as president of National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club San Diego Wave since 2021. Her appointment underscores FIFA's commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in football globally, with the ultimate goal of making football truly universal and providing opportunities for all talents, regardless of gender.

In her new position, Ellis will be responsible for key technical areas related to the sport's development worldwide. Her experience spans from grassroots programs to senior national team management, including her recent role leading FIFA's Technical Study Group at the 2023 Women's World Cup.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström praised Ellis's appointment, citing her experience, enthusiasm, and outstanding achievements as key qualifications for the role. He emphasized that having both Ellis and Wenger, two renowned football leaders, will help realize FIFA's vision for the sport's future.

Ellis expressed honor in accepting this groundbreaking position, highlighting FIFA's unique ability to unite communities and drive football's development worldwide. Her transition from the San Diego Wave, where she set high standards as an expansion club president, to this global role represents a significant step in FIFA's commitment to football's future development and creating opportunities for the next generation.

This appointment continues FIFA's evolution in football administration, following Wenger's appointment to his role in 2019.