Peter Velappan, former general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), passed away on Saturday at the age of 83.
AFC president Shaikh Salman Ebrahim Al Khalifa paid his respects to Velappan in a statement on the organization's official website: "On behalf of the entire Asian football family, I send my condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the family of one of the most important architects of growing the game in Asia."
Velappan in China learning about the country's development in women's soccer. /VCG Photo
Salman also praised Velappan's work: "Peter served Asian football with passion and professionalism and the news of his passing will shock and sadden all those who are involved in our great game on this continent. He deserves immense credit for everything that he achieved with the AFC and beyond."
Born in Malaysia in 1935, Velappan studied in Britain and Canada before returning home to work as a teacher. He became assistant general secretary of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) in 1963 and stayed in the position until 1978. He also attended the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany with Malaysia's national soccer team.
Velappan has been passionate in promoting grassroots soccer development. /VCG Photo
From 1978 to 2007, Velappan served as general secretary of the AFC, making him the longest serving man in the job. He has worked with three AFC presidents and witnessed the first FIFA World Cup held by Asian countries (Japan and S. Korea) in 2002.
Since leaving office in 2007, Velappan worked to promote grassroots soccer development in Asia. "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 honor to follow in his footsteps," said Windsor John, current general secretary of the AFC.