PANJIM: Former FIFA referee and former FIFA Referees Instructor in India, Alex Vaz died at the Sterling Hospital in Borivali here on Wednesday.
He was 84 and leaves behind two sons and two daughters and their children. His funeral is likely to take place on Friday.
Cuncolim-born and Mumbai-based Alex, a referee of international repute, was well known in Goa, being admired for his refereeing abilities which were of exceptional qualities. He was much sought after by the Goa Football Association (GFA), especially for refereeing in the All-India Bandodkar Gold Trophy championship five times in all, and being appointed for the finals most of the times. He was also invited by the Goa Football Referees Association for conducting seminars and workshops for referees. He was an authority both on-field as well as off-field as far as the Laws of Football is concerned. He commanded respect from players, coaches and even spectators and was much sought for refereeing difficult, high tension matches and he always came out with aplomb. His decisions brooked no answer from any quarter – that was his mastery. His whistle was as sharp as ever.
Alex will also be remembered for officiating in the Senior Women’s Nationals at the then Bandodkar ground at Campal in which Goa emerged champions against Bengal with Goa scoring first, the opening Goa’s goal being hotly disputed by Bengal.
With his imposing personality and swift officiating, Alex, a product of Loyola High School, Margao, became a popular and much respected referee officiating in major tournaments in India.
Alex was nominated on the FIFA panel in 1972 and in the very next year he made it to Tehran to supervise matches in 15th Asian Youth Football Tournament and again in the same tournament in Bangkok in 1976. He was later selected to supervise at the World Cup Asian Group I in 1977 in Singapore. Later, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) selected Alex for Asia Cup final rounds in Iran.
Alex doubled as athletic coach for Mumbai schools and was the president of Bombay Referees Association for some time.
When contacted, Churchill Alemao, GFA president, while extending condolences to his family, said that Alex will be remembered for his total command in refereeing especially during the Bandodkar Gold Trophy finals and the finals of Women’s Nationals in Goa. “His mastery, his command was unique, his confidence level being optimum. I have not seen another Goan referee of that calibre. He left his fine refereeing imprints on the sands of Goa and Goa will certainly miss this tall personality. He even authored two books on the Laws of Football.
The GFA is indebted to Alex for his great contribution to Goan football, especially in the refereeing department. Whenever the GFA needed his services, Goa was his first love,” added Churchill.
Former GFA President Elvis Gomes expressed sadness at the passing away of former FIFA referee who he said had made Goans and Cuncolkars proud through all his achievements as a FIFA referee.
Offering condoles to his family members, Elvis said that Alex, a son of Cuncolim went through hard work and made a mark at the international level. “I had often met with him and discussed matters of importance relating to football and refereeing. He would also tell stories of his and my late father’s mischievous acts as they shared a room in the boarding during their school days. I pray for eternal rest to his soul,” said Elvis.
