Scottish FA head of referee operations John Fleming dies aged 62
Wednesday 23 October 2019 12:43, UK
The Scottish FA's head of referee operations John Fleming has died aged 62 after a long illness.
Fleming led the association's referee operations for eight years and was a respected member of the association's senior management team.
He joined the Scottish FA's referee development department in 2009 and enjoyed a successful career as a match official, appointed to Category One status in 1994 and performing as a FIFA Assistant Referee from 1994 to 1997, culminating in him being part of Scotland's officiating team at the European Championships in 1996.
During his time at the Scottish FA, Fleming oversaw the training and development of match officials at all levels and implemented a new structure to enhance referee recruitment and retention.
He was appointed as a Referee Observer for UEFA and joined illustrious names such as Pierluigi Collina and Massimo Busacca on the Technical Advisory Panel of the International Football Association Board - world football's lawmakers.
Rod Petrie, Scottish FA President, said: "John was a private man and many people will be shocked to learn of his passing after an illness borne with fortitude. His commitment was unstinting to the game, his refereeing colleagues and the association.
"He worked tirelessly in support of his match officials, whom he considered an extended family. He undertook his responsibilities as Head of Referee Operations with passion and integrity, qualities that met with respect across the game: in boardrooms, in dressing rooms and, of course, in referees' rooms.
"John was a dedicated family man and suffered the loss of his wife Ann with the love of his children Dawn and Graham, and of course his grandchildren Anna, Charlie and Rose, on whom he doted. Our thoughts are with his family.
"I know I speak on behalf of the board, John's friends and colleagues within the Scottish FA, the referee community and clubs across the country in saying that we will miss a trusted colleague, a man of honour and principle, and a dear friend."
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), who determine the laws of the game, also paid their respects to John Fleming.
"The IFAB is very saddened that one of our longstanding members, John Fleming from the Scottish FA, has passed away," they tweeted.
"He will be greatly missed for the warm person he was and for valuable contributions to work of The IFAB. Our thoughts are with him and his family."
