AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: FIFA President Mr. Gianni Infantino has condoled the death of Mr. Madhav Gangaya Suvarna, a former FIFA referee, who passed away on January 6, 2022.

In a letter to AIFF President Mr. Praful Patel, who is also a FIFA Council Member, Mr. Infantino wrote: “I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of former FIFA referee, Madhav Gangaya Suvarna. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss.”

“No doubt that during his years at the service of football, Madhav has made a significant contribution to the development of refereeing and the promotion of our sport and its values in India and in the region,” the letter further stated.

Mr. Madhav Suvarna also acted as the Secretary of the AIFF Referees board, Gujarat FA Secretary, AFC Referee Assessor and Match Commissioner. A renowned instructor in the beautiful sport, Mr. Suvarna often passed on his wisdom to the younger referees during his tenure.

The FIFA President further wrote: “A very competent referee, passionate and renowned instructor and football administrator, his legacy and trajectory on and off the pitch will not be forgotten, and he will be truly missed. On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the All India Football Federation, and to Madhav’s family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all of you.”