The South African Football Association (Safa) has confirmed that acting chief executive officer Russell Paul will be leaving the association to take up a senior role within the Qatar 2022 Fifa World Cup organising committee.

The announcement was made by president Danny Jordaan on Tuesday morning at a media conference at Safa house in Nasrec.

Jordaan also revealed that current Safa vice-president Gay Mokoena will step in to become the new acting CEO until the body can advertise and fill the post.

‘Russell worked in the 2010 World Cup‚ in competitions‚ and then as divisional manager of competitions overseeing all 64 matches‚’ Jordaan said.

‘We want to wish him the very best. We appreciate the contribution he has made to Safa and South African football‚ and in particular in this term as acting CEO.

‘When you look at his CV you’ll see the long‚ long journey that he tracked with South African football.’

Jordaan also talked up the appointment of Mokoena, who has served on the boards of both Fifa and Caf.

‘He is a businessman in his own right‚ he has been on many boards‚ he has served for Caf and Fifa and is well versed in football.’