Irish Football Association president David Martin has been elected as a FIFA vice-president.
The Down native succeeds former English Football Association chair Greg Clarke, who stood down from the role last November after making a series of offensive remarks during a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee.
Martin (67) will serve a two-year term within FIFA at a crucial time, as the UK and Ireland weighs up a bid for the 2030 World Cup.
Martin saw off opposition from Scottish FA vice-president Michael Mulraney and Football Association of Wales president Kieran O'Connor in a vote at the UEFA Congress in Switzerland on Tuesday.
He told the IFA’s official website: "I am delighted to have been elected as a FIFA vice-president by the UEFA member associations at the 2021 Congress. It is great for both the association and the country."
Laura McAllister lost out in her bid to be UEFA’s female representative on the FIFA Council.
McAllister, a former Wales international, is the deputy chair of UEFA’s women’s football committee.
UEFA Congress voted to re-elect Evelina Christillin of Italy.
McAllister said in a statement: "I’m obviously disappointed with the result, although we knew it was always going to be an extremely difficult task to unseat an incumbent.
"The fact that we were just six votes short of winning the election is hopefully testament to the modern, professional and football-focused campaign that we ran.
"My commitment to our beautiful game and its core values remains as strong as ever and I will redouble my efforts to make football a game for everyone to enjoy. I hope I can stand for election again as my enthusiasm to drive change is undiminished.
"I’d also like to congratulate Evelina Christillin on her re-election and wish her all the best for the important work that lies ahead."
