XtraTime Web Desk: All India Football Federation condoles the death of Dato Peter Velappan, former General Secretary of Asian Football Confederation. He was 83.
Mr. Velappan served as the General Secretary of the AFC for 29 years from 1978 to 2007.
AIFF President Mr. Praful Patel in his statement said: “On behalf of the Indian Footballing fraternity we mourn the death of Dato Velappan. He was a very able administrator who inspired Asian Football with his vision. Football in Asia will always be indebted to him for his contribution. May his soul rest in peace.”
Born in 1935, he studied in the United Kingdom and Canada before becoming a teacher in Seremban and subsequently became Assistant General Secretary of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) in 1963.
He served as FAM Assistant General Secretary until 1980 as well as being Team Manager and Coach to the national team when it qualified for the Olympic Games in Munich in 1972.
AFC General Secretary, Dato Windsor John, added: “Dato’ Peter’s vision for Asian football has been an inspiration to us all and his achievements both here at the AFC and at the Football Association of Malaysia stand as a monument to his love of the game.
AFC General Secretary, Dato Windsor John, added: “Dato’ Peter’s vision for Asian football has been an inspiration to us all and his achievements both here at the AFC and at the Football Association of Malaysia stand as a monument to his love of the game.
“Dato’ Peter set the standards to which everyone in Asian football aspires. He was dedicated to grassroots football and the development of the game in Asia. It has been an honour to follow in his footsteps.”