A.R. Khaleel, former president of Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA), in Bangalore. File| Photo Credit: G.P. Sampath Kumar

The former All India Football Federation (AIFF) vice-president, treasurer and govt committee member A.R. Khaleel handed away on May 10 on the age of 91 because of sickness.

The AIFF expressed grief on the passing of Mr. Khaleel, who was additionally the previous president of the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA).

"The All India Football Federation condoles the death of former AIFF Vice-President, Treasurer, Executive Committee Member, and ex-Karnataka State Football Association President A.R. Khaleel, who passed away in the wee hours of Wednesday, May 10, 2023 after a brief illness. He was 91, and is survived by his wife and four daughters," stated AIFF in an announcement.

A outstanding face within the Indian Football administration for almost six many years, Mr. Khaleel was additionally energetic on the continental degree, and once in a while was a member of the Asian Football Confederation Standing Committees.

Condoling Mr. Khaleel's loss of life, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey stated, "It is sad to know that A.R. Khaleel is no more. His death has left an eternal void in the Indian Football administration. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult hour."

AIFF secretary normal Dr Shaji Prabhakaran stated, "Khaleel ji was one of the foremost football administrators of his time, and played a big role in popularising the game in India, especially in Karnataka. His demise has left Indian Football poorer."

A president of the KSFA for 28 years until 2018, Mr. Khaleel had labored for the sport in varied capacities. He was a footballer, who ran Jawahar Union FC, one among Bengaluru's conventional golf equipment, was an administrator par excellence, and served Karnataka soccer as an workplace bearer for a few years. He additionally donned managerial roles for the Indian National Teams in varied age teams.