FIFA’s top lawyer to step down after eight years, returning to Spain

Emilio García Silvero, the head of FIFA’s Legal & Compliance Division, is leaving the world soccer governing body after more than eight years in the role, saying he wants to begin a new chapter of his career and return to Spain after 15 years working abroad in international soccer.

García Silvero joined FIFA after the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He led a team of lawyers and compliance professionals based in FIFA’s offices in Zurich and Miami.

“It has truly been a dream to work alongside colleagues from around the world to improve the regulatory framework of international football,” García Silvero said. He credited the people, the team and counterparts at national and international soccer institutions who “shared the same passion and ambition: to improve the system.” He also thanked FIFA’s president and secretary general for their trust and support over the years.

FIFA didn’t immediately name a successor or say when García Silvero’s departure would take effect.