October 15 – Just weeks after taking centre stage at FIFA’s much-trumpeted coaches forum in London to debate tactical and technical trends following the World Cup, Marco van Basten is leaving his role as the organisation’s chief technical development officer at the end of the month.
The 53-year-old former Netherlands maestro joined FIFA in 2016 in a role designed to look at ways of enhancing the game but is already stepping down by mutual consent, apparently driven in part by a desire to spend more time with his family.
In a statement, van Basten said: “After two good and interesting years, I decided to put an end to my duty at FIFA especially because [it will mean] I can spend more time with my family in Amsterdam.
“I learned a lot in this position, where I was able to influence football from the other side. The World Cup in Russia with the introduction of VAR was a nice milestone.”
During his time at FIFA, Van Basten was involved in the creation of the International Football Association Board’s ‘Play Fair’ document, which aimed to improve fairness, attractiveness, respect and player behaviour.
The document had little impact but FIFA’s deputy secretary general Zvonimir Boban nevertheless thanked Van Basten for his work, saying: “He has been instrumental in the growth and development of FIFA’s technical division. He has also contributed to the successful introduction of new technology into football.”
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