FIFA Appoints Kenya’s Terry Ouko as Sustainability and Human Rights Venue Manager

Former Harambee Starlets defender Terry Ouko has secured a prestigious appointment with FIFA for the 2026 World Cup. 

She will serve as Sustainability and Human Rights Venue Manager at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which has been rebranded as Atlanta Stadium for the global tournament.

Ouko’s appointment comes at a time when Kenya has no representation at the World Cup, with neither the national men’s team nor Kenyan referees qualifying for the event.

In an exclusive interview with FIFA, Ouko showed appreciation for the opportunity. She described football as a unifying space where people from all backgrounds meet as equals. Her primary responsibility, she noted, is to ensure every individual entering the Atlanta Stadium feels protected, respected, and welcomed.

Ouko brings a wealth of experience to the position. She previously served as Vice President of the Kenya Footballers’ Welfare Association (KFWA) and as a board member of FIFPRO, the global union for professional footballers. She has also held leadership roles within the Africa Beach Soccer Union (ABSU), focusing on futsal, beach soccer, and women and youth development.

She said that her work goes beyond venue management. It involves protecting human dignity, promoting equality, and ensuring sustainability is a lived reality during the World Cup. Her daily duties include coordinating anti-discrimination efforts, enforcing safeguarding standards, and integrating sustainable practices into stadium operations.

The 75,000-seat Atlanta Stadium will host five group-stage matches. Ouko stressed that success should not only be measured by on-field action but also by the legacy left behind and the standards set for future tournaments.