FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has today led the tributes to Charlie Dempsey after it was announced that the former long-serving president of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) passed away on Tuesday, aged 86.
New Zealand’s Dempsey, who was born in Scotland in 1922 but emigrated in 1952, served as OFC president from 1982 to 2000, and Blatter – in a letter of condolence to the Oceanic body – wrote of his sadness at learning of the FIFA Honorary Member’s passing.
"We will retain fond memories of an accomplished football leader and an extraordinary man whose his great human qualities ensured that left an indelible mark on the game of football, not only in helping to develop football in Oceania but also globally especially as a member of the FIFA Executive Committee as well as a member of various Standing Committees within FIFA," wrote the FIFA President.
OFC President Reynald Temarii, meanwhile, said Dempsey should be remembered fondly for his tireless work in promoting the beautiful game in Oceania.
"The Oceania Football Confederation and FIFA owe Charles a debt of gratitude for his complete devotion, extraordinary loyalty and unwavering service to the sport of football," Temarii said in a statement.
"His perseverance, charm and drive will be missed by all the lives he touches and my deepest sympathies are with his family and friends."
Story courtesy of www.fifa.com