December 10 – The Australian FA (FFA) has appointed James Johnson as the successor to David Gallop as its chief executive officer. Johnson will take up his post in January.
A lawyer by training, Johnson has most recently been senior vice president of external affairs with the City Football Group but is better known in the football federation world for his international roles at FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). From 2014-18 he was head of professional football at FIFA.
Chairman of the FFA, Chris Nikou, said: “Football is in James’ soul. He has demonstrated that he is a collaborative leader and team player and brings global and local experience and networks to the FFA. Importantly he also understands the importance of developmental pathways and the grassroots of the code.”
The FFA has been through turbulent times recently with re-organisation of its own stakeholder structure as well as battling its professional leagues. However, the FFA has united behind a bid for the Women’s World Cup 2023. Johnson will need all his political skills to navigate a path domestically and internationally, not least building the FFA’s trust within an often suspicious AFC.
“I am looking forward to working with the Member Federations, the Women’s Council and all stakeholders across the game to build the unified and prosperous future the game deserves. We have much to do, and together we will build a shared vision for the future. One where the fans are engaged, the players fulfil their potential and the clubs at all levels thrive,” said Johnson.
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