A much-respected figure in Slovakian and European football, Karol Galba has passed away at the age of 88.

Refereeing highlights
Karol Galba began his sporting career in Czechoslovakia as a club official with ŠK Bratislava, the forerunner of ŠK Slovan Bratislava. He went on to become a successful referee, taking part in two FIFA World Cups in 1962 and 1966, and was assistant referee at the 1966 final between England and West Germany at Wembley.

Service to the game
Returning to football administration shortly afterwards, he became a member of the UEFA Referees Committee. He eventually became vice-president of the Czechoslovak Football Association, serving as a UEFA delegate, and put his considerable football experience to good use, helping young players and talented referees.

Honours
Karol Galba's lifelong contribution to the game brought him a number of honours. He became an honorary member of the Slovak Football Association, and received the association's gold medal, as well as awards from world football's governing body FIFA. In 2003, he was presented with the UEFA Order of Merit in Ruby at the UEFA Executive Committee's meeting in Bratislava.