Joana Faria, left, is the new secretary general of the IKF ©IKF

Joana Faria has been appointed as the new secretary general of the International Korfball Federation (IKF).

She becomes the first female to hold the role and is also the first IKF Council member from Portugal.

Faria is replacing England's Graham Crafter who did not seek re-election as secretary general following 14 years in the role.

He was awarded honorary membership of the IKF in 2015 and has served as an international referee.

Two more Council members have also been appointed by the IKF with Kevin Allen and Björn Elewaut joining them.

Allen will take on responsibility for the IKF's rules and regulations as well as korfball development.

Graham Crafter, left, and Frank Buvens, right, pictured with IKF President Jan Fransoo, are retiring ©IKF
Graham Crafter, left, and Frank Buvens, right, pictured with IKF President Jan Fransoo, are retiring ©IKF

Elewaut's remit will be refereeing and a special project focussing on the development of IKF Europe.

Belgium's Frank Buvens did not seek re-election to his Council position after opting to step down following 15 years of service. 

He has also been appointed as an honorary member after a proposal from IKF President Jan Fransoo.

"Both Crafter and Buvens have a long - over decades - history in korfball," an IKF statement said.

"Their contributions to korfball in their respective countries and in international korfball is huge."