Former Harambee Starlets defender Terry Ouko has secured one of the most significant international football appointments ever awarded to a Kenyan sports administrator after FIFA named her Sustainability and Human Rights Venue Manager for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
The appointment places Ouko at the heart of operations for one of the tournament’s key venues and ensures Kenya will have representation in a senior leadership role at football’s biggest global event.
As the world prepares for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, Ouko will oversee critical programs designed to ensure that the tournament meets FIFA’s standards on safeguarding, inclusion, equality, and sustainability.
In her new role, Ouko will lead several important matchday and venue-management initiatives throughout the tournament.
She will oversee safeguarding measures aimed at protecting players, fans, volunteers, staff members, and other stakeholders attending matches at the stadium.
She will also coordinate anti-discrimination programs designed to combat racism, bias, harassment, and hate speech while ensuring that every person entering the venue enjoys a safe and welcoming experience.
Another major component of her role involves monitoring compliance with FIFA’s human rights commitments. This responsibility includes promoting equal treatment, dignity, accessibility, and respect for all individuals involved in the tournament.
Ouko will also spearhead environmental sustainability efforts at the venue. Her duties will include ensuring that stadium operations align with FIFA’s environmental goals and sustainability framework throughout the competition.
Before becoming a respected football administrator, Ouko built her reputation on the pitch.
She represented Kenya’s national women’s football team, Harambee Starlets, as a defender between 2009 and 2016.
During her playing career, she earned recognition for her leadership, discipline, and commitment to the development of women’s football in Kenya.
Following her retirement from active competition, she shifted her focus toward football governance, player welfare, and sports administration.
Ouko currently serves as Vice President of the Kenya Footballers’ Welfare Association (KEFWA), where she advocates for the rights and welfare of professional footballers.
Through the organization, she has worked on initiatives aimed at improving player representation, career development, and working conditions within Kenyan football.
In addition to her responsibilities at KEFWA, Ouko serves on the international board of FIFPRO, the global federation representing professional football players.
The position places her among influential football leaders shaping discussions around player welfare, governance, labor rights, and professional standards worldwide.
Her involvement with FIFPRO has enabled her to contribute to policy discussions affecting footballers across multiple continents.
Ouko’s educational achievements have also contributed to her rise within football administration.
She recently completed the prestigious FIFA Master program in Management, Law, and Humanities of Sport.
The globally respected postgraduate course is widely regarded as one of the most elite sports management programs in the world.
Graduates often go on to hold senior positions within FIFA, continental federations, professional clubs, and major sporting organizations.
The qualification further strengthened Ouko’s expertise in governance, sports management, policy development, and international sporting operations.
