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Joyce Cook has spoken of her "immense pride" after being named Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year's Honours List.

Former Women in Football board member Joyce, took up the role of FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer in November 2016, overseeing the delivery of FIFA’s investment in football development through FIFA’s 211 member associations, under the FIFA Forward Programme.

Prior to joining FIFA, her outstanding work developing and delivering diversity and inclusion projects at both national and international levels had already been recognised when she was awarded an OBE. 

Speaking to FIFA.com Joyce said: “It’s a very proud moment for me, and my family. The World Health Organisation considers more than 20 per cent of the global population to be disabled, yet there are very few disabled people in senior positions at this time, especially in the sports sector. The award recognises the work I’ve been involved in for a long time.

“As a disabled person working for FIFA, and a member of the Management Board, I have a responsibility as a role model.

"I’m proud that FIFA is showing its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and I hope that I can continue to help show the way forward, using my personal and professional experiences to continue to build programmes, and enhance football fan experiences and inclusion around the world for disabled people, including those attending the 2018 FIFA World Cup.”

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura was quick to praise the outstanding contribution made by Joyce, adding: "The CBE Award is well-deserved recognition of Joyce’s long-standing commitment to disabled football fans.

"Her passion and commitment to strive for higher standards and accessibility has been relentless. Her refusal to let her own disability act as any barrier, is a huge inspiration.

"On behalf of the entire FIFA administration, I want to express my heartfelt congratulations to Joyce for this huge honour. It is something that FIFA can also be very proud of.”

Joyce was the founder and managing director of the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE). During the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, she supported FIFA in making the event more accessible to disabled people and was involved in the project that offered audio-descriptive commentary for partially sighted and blind fans.

Many congratulations Joyce Cook CBE!

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