Van Basten stepping down as FIFA technical adviser after only two years
ZURICH: Marco Van Basten has left his role as chief technical development officer of world football federation FIFA writes KEIR RADNEDGE.
The Dutchman, whose role was never quite clear, will leave officially at the end of the month to “spend more time with his family.”
Van Basten’s own views- such as a personal preference for the abolition of offside – always appeared to set uneasily alongside the mainstream work of FIFA in coordination with the International Football Association Board.
A FIFA statement said:
Having joined FIFA in 2016, Marco oversaw FIFA’s Technical Development Division, playing a leading role in developing new technology and innovation in football, as well as working closely with member associations to develop and enhance technical areas in football, coaching and refereeing.
Marco will depart FIFA on mutual terms at the end of October to spend more time in the Netherlands with his family. FIFA and Marco Van Basten agreed to possible future collaboration in the field of technical development.
Paying tribute to Marco, Zvonimir Boban, Deputy Secretary General of FIFA, said: “Since joining the organization in 2016, Marco has been instrumental in the growth and development of FIFA’s Technical Development Division. In particular, Marco has played an important role to reconnect the institution with its technical community. He has also been very supportive regarding the successful introduction of new technology in football. I would like to thank Marco for his work at FIFA and would like to wish him all the best for the future.”
Marco Van Basten said: “After two good and interesting years I decided to put an end to my duty at FIFA. Mainly to be able to spend more time with my family in Amsterdam. I learned a lot being in a position to influence this game from the other side. The World Cup in Russia with the introduction of the VAR was a nice milestone! I would like to thank Gianni and Zvonimir and all my colleagues at FIFA for a very pleasant time and a good cooperation and I wish them all the best for the future.”
