Grondona passed away yesterday in Buenos Aires after being hospitalised with cardiac failure. He was 82.

OFC President and FIFA Executive Committee member David Chung said Grondona’s loss would be felt throughout the world of football.

“Our thoughts are with Julio Grondona’s family and with the football community of Argentina.

“Julio Grondona served the world of football with distinction and always took an interest in the game in our region,” Chung says, “this is a sad day for our sport.”

Grondona, who began his career as a football executive by founding Sarandi-based Arsenal in 1956, was named head of the AFA on 6 April 1979, a position he held until his death, a lengthy tenure that demonstrated his importance within the game in Argentina.
He also served as President of Argentine football giants Independiente between 1976 and 1981.
A member of FIFA’s Executive Committee since 1988, Grondona’s previous duties included chairing the governing body’s Finance Committee, in addition to his role of Senior Vice-President.
“Football has today lost a giant figure and a true servant of the game,” Chung says.

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