The acting chief executive of the South African Football Association (SAFA) Russell Paul has resigned from his position to take over as tournament director of the 2022 FIFA World Cup set to be held in Qatar.

South Africa's football governing body announced that Paul will be replaced by SAFA vice-president Gay Mokoena for three months.

"Paul leaves the Association in a very stable position. Since being appointed to the role in September last year (2018), he has helped various national teams qualify for major tournaments in line with SAFA's Vision 2022 blueprint," a statement from SAFA read.

Paul, an experienced football administrator, is recognised as one of the leading General Coordinators in Africa and was part of the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup organising team. He was one of two Africans to have participated in the organising of the 2014 and 2018 World Cups in Brazil and Russia respectively.

SAFA President Danny Jordaan expressed his confidence in Paul's ability to help organise a successful FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

"He leaves SAFA in a very healthy position and I want to wish him all the best. Russell Paul is a football servant and in my football career, I have come across very few professional individuals like him. He has SAFA and my blessing for his next assignment," Jordaan said.

Source(s): South African Football Association