Terry Ouko, a former defender for Kenya’s national women’s football team, Harambee Starlets, has been appointed by FIFA as the sustainability and human rights venue manager at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
In this high-level matchday role, she will be responsible for ensuring the stadium is a safe, fair and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of origin.
“My responsibility in Atlanta is to ensure that everyone who walks into the stadium feels protected, respected and genuinely welcomed,” Ouko told FIFA in an exclusive interview.
Reflecting on the scope of her new role, Ouko outlined both the expectations ahead and the value she intends to deliver.
“This is not just about managing a venue; it is about protecting dignity, promoting equality, and ensuring sustainability is not a slogan but a lived reality at a World Cup stage,” Ouko said.
The appointment has drawn praise from fans in Kenya, with many celebrating it as a proud moment for the country on the global stage.
“Kudos to one of our own, football wins,” one fan said.
Another added, “I am proud of her, my former schoolmate and dormmate has worked hard in her football career, bravo, my girl."
In her role as sustainability and human rights venue manager, Ouko will oversee the safeguarding of vulnerable groups, including children, and ensure workers and fans are treated fairly and ethically.
She will also enforce a zero-tolerance policy on racism and bullying, promote inclusivity for people of all backgrounds and abilities, and support environmentally responsible stadium operations.
At matchday leadership level, she will help ensure FIFA’s core standards are upheld, including pre-match and in-match stadium checks, monitoring and addressing hate speech, and supporting environmental compliance across venue operations.
Ouko brings extensive experience in sports leadership, having served as vice president of the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA), contributed to women’s football policy development at the Confederation of African Football, and led media and advocacy campaigns across the continent.