Klaus gets FIFA role

FIFA have appointed Hans Klaus, formerly a spokesman for Swissair, as their new communications director.

Klaus, 42, succeeds fellow Swiss national Markus Siegler, who is now working as a consultant for England’s bid for the 2018 World Cup.

The announcement comes as a blow to FIFA’s long-serving head of media Andreas Herren, who had also applied for the position. Herren is expected to resign from his post and leave FIFA after more than a decade with football’s world governing body.

FIFA media staff were introduced to Klaus this afternoon and he is expected to assume his position on May 2.

After Swissair went bust in 2001, Klaus moved to work in the media department for a minister in the Swiss federal government.

Klaus’ appointment comes as a surprise as he has no previous experience in football.

However, UEFA’s communications director William Gaillard came from a similar background – he was head of communications for the International Air Transport Association before moving into football and he is now also special adviser to UEFA president Michel Platini.