Tony Brien, Irish footballer, Died at 54

Anthony James Brien: A Skilled Irish Footballer

Anthony James Brien (10 February 1969 – 1 August 2023) was a talented Irish footballer who left a mark in the world of football. He had an illustrious career, showcasing his skills in various clubs within the Football League.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Anthony James Brien was born on 10 February 1969, in Dublin, Ireland. From a young age, he exhibited a passion for football that would propel him into a successful career.

Football Career

Brien made his mark in the Football League by playing for several esteemed clubs. He displayed his football prowess while being a part of Leicester City, Chesterfield, Rotherham United, West Bromwich Albion, Mansfield Town, Chester City, and Hull City.

Speaking Out Against Abuse

In January 2017, during the United Kingdom football sexual abuse scandal, Brien bravely came forward and alleged abuse by former Leicester City scout Ted Langford during the 1980s. This revelation shed light on a distressing issue prevalent in the football world. More details emerged in September 2017, implicating former Aston Villa manager Graham Taylor in a cover-up of the abuse.

Legacy and Passing

Anthony James Brien's dedication and contribution to football will always be remembered. He made a significant impact on the sport, leaving a legacy that aspiring footballers can look up to. Unfortunately, Brien passed away on 1 August 2023, at the age of 54, leaving a void in the football community.

Giovanni Lodetti Italian footballer died at 81

Giovanni Lodetti (Italian pronunciation: [dʒoˈvanni loˈdetti]; 10 August 1942 – 22 September 2023) was an Italian professional footballer renowned for his role as a defensive midfielder. 

Known for his hard work, stamina, and game-reading abilities, he also showcased flair and creativity in attacking moves. Lodetti achieved considerable success at the club and international levels before his death at the age of 81.

Club Career

Milan

Giovanni Lodetti is best remembered for his time at A.C. Milan, where he rose to prominence in the 1960s. Playing alongside the legendary playmaker Gianni Rivera, Lodetti won numerous accolades, including:

• Two Serie A titles (1961–62, 1967–68)
• Coppa Italia (1966–67)
• European Cups (1962–63, 1968–69)
• Cup Winners' Cup (1967–68)
• Intercontinental Cup (1969)

Later Years

After his successful stint at Milan, Lodetti also had spells at Sampdoria, Foggia, and Novara, before retiring from professional football in 1978.

International Career

World Cup and UEFA Euro

Lodetti represented Italy at the 1966 World Cup in England, where the team was eliminated in the first round. He was also part of the Italian squad that won the UEFA Euro 1968 on home soil. Although he was slated to participate in the 1970 World Cup, he was dropped at the last minute due to an injury to Anastasi, making way for Roberto Boninsegna and Pierino Prati.

Overall Representation

In total, Lodetti earned 17 caps for the Italian national team between 1964 and 1968, scoring two goals. He also represented the under-21 side in their victorious campaign at the 1963 Mediterranean Games.

Death

Giovanni Lodetti passed away on September 22, 2023, leaving behind an illustrious career and an indelible mark on Italian football.

Honours

A.C. Milan

• Serie A: 1961–62, 1967–68
• Coppa Italia: 1966–67
• European Cup: 1962–63, 1968–69
• Cup Winners' Cup: 1967–68
• Intercontinental Cup: 1969

Italy

• UEFA European Football Championship: 1968

Individual

• A.C. Milan Hall of Fame

Giovanni Lodetti was a quintessential team player whose contributions on the football pitch often went beyond the stats sheet. His ability to adapt to different roles and situations made him a valuable asset for both club and country. Although he passed away in September 2023, his legacy and impact on Italian football will be remembered for generations to come.

Yoel Alroy Israeli footballer died at 93

Yoel Alroy (Hebrew: יואל אלרואי; 1930 – 21 September 2023) was a man of many talents and a pillar of his community. Known for his achievements both in the sports arena and the political world, Alroy's life was one of service, leadership, and impact. Born in Petah Tikva, but a lifelong resident of Netanya, Alroy was a professional footballer before he transitioned into a political career, ultimately serving as the Mayor of Netanya for a decade.

Early Life: Roots in Petah Tikva and Netanya

Yoel Alroy was born in Petah Tikva in 1930. However, he moved to Netanya when he was just three weeks old. His parents operated an orchard in the city, a business that faced devastation during the 1936–1939 Arab revolt in Palestine, leaving the Alroy family in financial ruin.

Alroy attended Biyalik School, completing his education in 1947. Even during his high school years, he displayed a commitment to his community, serving in the Haganah, a Jewish paramilitary organization. Around this time, he also joined Maccabi Netanya, thus beginning his sports career.

Legal Practice and Sports Career: A Man of Many Talents

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Alroy attended the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, earning a law degree in 1954. He then opened a small law firm in Netanya and married Pnina, who would become his lifelong partner.

As a legal professional, Alroy participated in the historic Kastner trial. He maintained his commitment to public service by staying within the IDF (Israel Defense Forces), participating in the Suez Crisis, the Six-Day War, and the War of Attrition. During this period, Alroy continued to be an active athlete, playing for Maccabi Netanya.

Political Ascent: From Opposition to Mayor

Alroy ventured into politics in 1973, joining the Herut party. He was elected to the Netanya City Council in 1974. Despite the party not winning the mayoral election, Alroy became the leader of the opposition, a role he performed from 1974 to 1983.

In 1984, although he had planned to retire from politics, Alroy yielded to pressure from his supporters and ran for the Mayor of Netanya. He won the election, becoming the city's 10th mayor.

Mayoral Tenure: A Legacy of Development and Reform

Once in office, Alroy was quick to make his mark. His tenure saw the opening of new schools and the renovation of existing ones. The municipal education system under Alroy initiated extracurricular activities, provided increased educational assistance to disadvantaged populations, and directed resources to unique educational projects. During his time, a significant portion of the city's budget was earmarked for education.

Alroy was not just focused on education; he also worked on urban development. He was responsible for the construction of the new boardwalk on the beach and the renovation of Herzl Street and Tel-Hai pedestrian street. He also assisted in the construction of Sharon Mall, a privately-owned shopping center.

Later Years and Final Election Runs

Alroy won re-election in 1989, continuing his efforts in bureaucracy reform and local infrastructure development. However, he lost the mayoral race in 1993 to a candidate from the Likud party. He made another run in 1998 as an independent candidate but was not successful.

After his political career, Alroy served as the chairman of the Association for the Elderly in Netanya, also known as Hadar.

Death and Honours

Yoel Alroy passed away on September 21, 2023, at the age of 93. In the realm of sports, he had been honored with the Netanya Cup in 1953 and was the Israel State Cup runner-up in 1954.

Yoel Alroy's life was one of diverse achievements and dedicated service to his community. From his early days in the Haganah and Maccabi Netanya to his later years in the mayor's office and beyond, Alroy was a man who wore many hats—each with distinction and honor. Whether it was on the football field, in the courtroom, or in the corridors of political power, Alroy made a lasting impact. His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and the community he served so well.

Sharar Haidar Iraqi football player Died at 52

Sharar Haidar Mohammad Al-Hadithi (Arabic: شرار حيدر; 15 August 1971 – 22 September 2023) was a notable figure in Iraqi football history. Known as a skilled defender, he represented the Iraq national team in prestigious events like the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship and the 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification. Beyond his sports career, he also served as the chairman of Al-Karkh, and later made headlines for revealing harrowing details about player treatment under Uday Hussein. He passed away on September 22, 2023, due to a heart attack at the age of 52.

Early Career

Born on August 15, 1971, Sharar Haidar showed promise as a young footballer. His talent did not go unnoticed, and he was selected to represent Iraq in international competitions.

National Team Career (1989-1992)

Between 1989 and 1992, Haidar was a key defender for the Iraq national team. He played in the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship and participated in the 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification. His contributions during this period were vital in putting Iraqi football on the global map.

Chairman of Al-Karkh (2003)

After retiring from active football, Haidar was appointed chairman of Al-Karkh, a significant role that allowed him to continue influencing Iraqi football from an administrative perspective.

Exile and Revelations (1998)

In a brave and risky move, Haidar fled Iraq in 1998 and exposed the dark side of Iraqi football governance. He told the media how players were subjected to torture after losses, ordered by Uday Hussein, the eldest son of Saddam Hussein. His revelations shocked the world and cast a spotlight on the grim conditions faced by athletes under the Hussein regime.

Death (2023)

Tragically, Sharar Haidar passed away on September 22, 2023, from a heart attack. He was 52 years old at the time of his death, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered both for his contributions to the sport and for his courage in speaking out against tyranny.

Sharar Haidar Mohammad Al-Hadithi was more than just a footballer; he was a man of courage who stood up against oppressive regimes. His life was a blend of athletic prowess and social advocacy, and although his death is a significant loss, his contributions to football and human rights in Iraq will not be forgotten.

John Hayes Australian rugby league player died at 84

John "Chow" Hayes (25 May 1939 – September 2023) was an Australian professional rugby league footballer who made significant contributions to the sport in the 1960s and 1970s. Primarily playing as a prop, hooker, or second-row, Hayes was a stalwart for Western Suburbs in the NSWRL competition. His impact on rugby league was not confined to his playing days; he also made a mark as a coach and later as a Chief Inspector in the NSW Police Force.

Early Life

Born in Marrickville, Hayes left school at the tender age of 14 to chase his ambitions. He pursued a dual career in panel beating and professional rugby league football. His early promise was evident during his junior rugby league days, particularly with Granville, where he caught the eye of talent scouts from Western Suburbs.

Playing Career

Debut and Early Success

Hayes made his first-grade debut in a match against Newtown at Henson Park in 1961. Western Suburbs clinched a 25–15 victory in that game. The same year, he played in the grand final against St George, although it ended in defeat for his team. Hayes was also selected to represent New South Wales in 1961 and featured in two matches.

Grand Finals and Controversies

In the ensuing two years, Western Suburbs faced off against St George in the grand finals, suffering losses on both occasions. Hayes was a part of these high-stakes matches. The 1963 grand final was particularly memorable for its wet and muddy conditions, which led to the iconic photograph of Norm Provan and Arthur Summons embracing at the end of the game. This image became a symbol of the spirit of rugby league. However, the match was also marred by allegations that the referee had accepted a bribe. These claims, which suggested the referee stood to gain 600 pounds if St George won, were never proven.

Hayes continued to play for eight more seasons before retiring at the end of the 1970 season.

Post-Playing Career

Coaching Stint

After hanging up his boots, Hayes transitioned into coaching. He initially took charge of the Wests reserve grade side in the early 1970s before coaching North Sydney between 1983 and 1984.

Life After Rugby

Hayes didn't just limit himself to rugby; he also served as a Chief Inspector in the NSW Police Force. His lifelong contributions to rugby and his community were acknowledged when he was inducted as a life member at Western Suburbs.

Death

John "Chow" Hayes passed away in September 2023, at the age of 84, leaving behind a rich legacy both on and off the rugby field.

John "Chow" Hayes was a multi-faceted individual who excelled in various roles throughout his life. From his early days in Marrickville to his time on the rugby field and later as a member of the police force, Hayes showcased his commitment, skill, and passion in every endeavor. His life story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and individuals in all walks of life.

Américo Lopes Portuguese footballer died at 90

Américo Ferreira Lopes, commonly known as Américo, was a revered figure in Portuguese football, known for his prowess as a goalkeeper. Born on March 6, 1933, in Santa Maria de Lamas, Aveiro District, he spent a significant part of his career at FC Porto. His contributions to Portuguese football were immense, and he passed away on September 22, 2023, at the age of 90.

Club Career

FC Porto

Américo spent the majority of his professional career with FC Porto, one of the giants in Portuguese football. Over the course of 13 seasons in the Primeira Liga, he made 250 official appearances for the club. During his tenure, he secured the 1959 national championship and the 1968 Taça de Portugal, adding considerable silverware to the club's trophy cabinet.

Boavista FC

Before establishing himself as a mainstay at FC Porto, Américo was loaned out to neighboring club Boavista FC from 1954 to 1958. During this period, he played in the second division, honing his skills before his remarkable career with Porto.

Retirement

Américo called it a day on his professional career in June 1969 at the age of 36, after dedicating 15 years to the beautiful game.

International Career

Américo made his debut for the Portugal national team on April 29, 1964, in a 3–2 friendly win against Switzerland. His career high came when he was selected by manager Otto Glória for the 1966 FIFA World Cup squad. Although he did not see any playing time, he was part of the third-placed Portuguese side that made history.

Américo earned a total of 15 caps for the national team, with his last appearance being on December 11, 1968, in a 4–2 loss to Greece during the qualifiers for the 1970 World Cup.

Death

Américo Lopes passed away on September 22, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered and celebrated by Portuguese football fans.

Honours

With FC Porto:

• Primeira Liga: 1958–59
• Taça de Portugal: 1967–68

Américo Ferreira Lopes was more than just a player; he was a symbol of dedication and resilience, especially for FC Porto fans. His incredible ability to guard the net made him one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Portuguese football history. Though he passed away in 2023, his contributions to Portuguese football, especially his long-standing association with FC Porto, will be cherished for generations to come.