GENEVA — FIFA has appointed Nualphan Lamsam, President of the Football Association of Thailand, as Chairperson of FIFA’s Development Committee for the 2025-2029 term, making her the first woman in history to hold the position.
The appointment was officially ratified by the FIFA Council on October 7, marking a significant milestone for Thai football and affirming Thailand’s role on the global football stage.
The Development Committee is one of FIFA’s most important standing committees, responsible for setting the direction and overseeing football development programs worldwide across all 211 member associations. Its duties include planning and proposing development strategies, monitoring progress, and evaluating support provided to national football associations, continental confederations, and regional organizations.
Nualphan will report directly to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the FIFA Council, guiding comprehensive global football development across multiple dimensions including infrastructure, youth development, women’s football, and promoting gender equality in sports.
Historic Appointment for Thailand
This marks the first time a Thai representative has been appointed to a senior position on a FIFA committee, reflecting the global football body’s confidence in female leadership from Southeast Asia and Thailand’s capacity to drive international football forward.
Additionally, FIFA has appointed Lertsakdi Pattanachaikul, a council member of the Football Association of Thailand, to the Member Associations Committee, another key committee responsible for governance and relations among member associations worldwide.
The appointments underscore Thailand’s growing influence in international football administration and represent a breakthrough for gender equality in global sports governance.
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