AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: FIFA President Mr Gianni Infantino has condoled the death of former referee Mr Sumanta Ghosh, who passed away last week in Kolkata.

In a letter to AIFF President Mr Kalyan Chaubey, Mr Infantino wrote, “I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of former FIFA referee, Sumanta Ghosh. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss.”

Mr Ghosh became a FIFA referee in 1990 and retired in 1997. He officiated in top tournaments like the pre-World Cup, pre-Olympics, AFC Club Championships, SAFF Cup, Jawaharlal Nehru Cup, etc.

“On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the All India Football Federation, and to Sumanta’s family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all of you,” wrote Mr Infantino. “We hope that these memories and our words of support may help bring some peace and solace at this difficult time.”

One of the top referees in India in the 1990s. Mr Ghosh was renowned for his quick decisions on the field, and for having a firm control over the game, as he smoothly conducted many high-profile matches.