Laura McAllister: I'll stand again after narrow UEFA loss

The 56-year-old former Wales captain was edged out Italy's Evelina Christillin, who was re-elected 33-22 at the UEFA Congress vote in Montreux.

McAllister has been deputy chair of UEFA's women's football committee since 2017 and is an experienced sports administrator with Sport Wales, UK Sport and the FAW Trust on her CV.

She said: "I'm obviously hugely disappointed with the result, although I knew it was always going to be an extremely difficult task to unseat an incumbent.

Handout photo dated 17/02/2021 provided by the Football Association of Wales of Laura McAllister at the Vale Resort, Hensol. Issue date: Tuesday March 2, 2021.

"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."

Irish Football Association president David Martin has been elected as Britain's FIFA vice-president after beating Football Association of Wales president Kieran O'Connor and Scottish FA vice-president Michael Mulraney.

He 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 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.