UEFA mourns Sir Bert Millichip

UEFA President Lennart Johansson has expressed sadness at the death of former UEFA Executive Committee member Sir Bert Millichip, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 88. 

'Tremendous contribution'
"This is very sad news," said Mr Johansson. "Sir Bert made a tremendous contribution to English and European football over many years. He was particularly important in rebuilding bridges into Europe after some of the dark days of the 1980s. He was a great ambassador, and also for me a genuine friend. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him."

UEFA role
Sir Bert was chairman of England's Football Association from 1981 to 1996 and served on UEFA's Executive Committee from 1988 until 1996, becoming a vice-president. He was strongly associated with West Bromwich Albion FC, and was president of the club.

Honorary member
He became a UEFA official in 1979 and served in various capacities until 1998. After Sir Bert's time on the Executive Committee, he was made a special adviser to the executive body, and became an honorary member of UEFA at the Congress in London in 1996. He was also the Executive Committee's representative on the Referee's Committee from 1992 to 1994, chairman of that committee for the next two years, and then a special adviser.

Committee commitments
During his time with UEFA, he was a member of the UEFA European Championship committee from 1982 to 1998. Sir Bert was chairman of the Futsal Committee from 1988 to 1992, chairman of the Juridical Committee from 1992 to 1994, and was also involved on the Committee for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship from 1990 to 1996. He was also a member of a UEFA study group on doping from 1979 to 1982.

'Deeply shocked'
Speaking to the Football Association's official website, acting chief executive David Davies said: "I am deeply shocked by the news about Sir Bert. He was one of the greatest servants of English football both at home and in many countries around the world." Mr Davies added that the FA's thoughts were with Sir Bert's wife, Lady Barbara, and their children.