Sadly passed away today, r.i.p, condolences to his family & friends .
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The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and the football world is in mourning today after it was announced that Charles J. Dempsey CBE passed away early this morning after battling a short illness at the age of 87.
Dempsey, the patriarch of Oceania football, served as the confederation's president for 36 years until he stepped down in 2000. During his years he oversaw the body's rise to full confederation status from FIFA and was responsible for raising national association membership of the OFC from four to eleven.
He was also one of New Zealand soccer's longest serving administrators. He was a New Zealand Football Association national councillor for 23 years and chairman from 1982 to 1987.
Tributes have been pouring in for Dempsey from all over the world and OFC President/FIFA Vice President Reynald Temarii expressed his sadness upon hearing of the death of the former OFC President.
Temarii praised Dempsey for his tireless work throughout Oceania and commitment to his vision.
"The Oceania Football Confederation and FIFA owe Charles a debt of gratitude for his complete devotion, extraordinary loyalty and unwavering service to the sport of football.
�His perseverance, charm and drive will be missed by all the lives he touches and my deepest sympathies are with his family and friends.�
Dempsey�s exceptional work was recognised when he was awarded the Pacific Gold Star in 2000, nominated as an Oceania Football Confederation Honorary President in 2001, and presented with a FIFA Centennial Order of Merit in 2004 for his long and outstanding contribution to football in the region.
OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas expressed his condolences to Dempsey�s family and mourned the loss of both a mentor and a friend.
�Charles was an inspiration to all of us. His loss will be very heavily felt throughout Oceania and the world where he did so much for the game. My thoughts are with his family.�
Further details about the funeral to be held early next week will be released soon.
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Sad that he has gone. He was a real character. Spoke to him after an NZ U23 game and he was a great laugh. Condolences to his family.
Its no longer a problem.
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Respect.
We didn't really have anyone else that was willing to go the distance as he did, despite the odd stickly decisions, he had a very good vision of things and people had kept stepping in the way of that. He was still right about the need to build a strong domestic league in order to strength the national squads.
We didn't really have anyone else that was willing to go the distance as he did, despite the odd stickly decisions, he had a very good vision of things and people had kept stepping in the way of that. He was still right about the need to build a strong domestic league in order to strength the national squads.
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Top man - will be missed - hopefully Frank can pick up the straight talking approach Charlie was so good at. PROAK2008-06-25 16:25:46
Peoples Republik of Aucklandia
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A famous statement from Charlie I remember well.
Whilst on an international flight with the All Whites.
My bum may be here in first class, but my heart is back there with you boys.
Luv it.
Whilst on an international flight with the All Whites.
My bum may be here in first class, but my heart is back there with you boys.
Luv it.
We're Forever Causing Trouble
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Dempsey memories.
I remember being at an NZS awards dinner in the mid nineties. I'd interviewed Charlie on radio a couple of days before and I'd stopped at his table to say hello on the way to the toilets. I was at the urinal when the toilet door opened behind me and in a couple of seconds I heard the schhhhhhhhhh of a can being opened. After I'd finished my piss I turned and there was Charlie pouring himself a Guinness. He said to me "Derek, I had to bring my own, I knew they wouldn't have any at this dive".
Top man, will be missed.
PS, i remember the water in the urinal being particularly cold...
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.
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Dempsey memories.
PS, i remember the water in the urinal being particularly cold...
I have the same problem.
And Deep too.
We're Forever Causing Trouble
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he was famous for shafting the Safas. Even a random Moroccan taxi driver (they had a bid along with Germany) mentioned him when I said I was from NZ. Class
Founder
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Hmmm, sad to see him go. Undoubtedly did a lot for Oceania football. I think let some stories about the "other" side of Charlie's role in Oceania wait for a while
Normo's coming home
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Yeah, now's not the time. He did a lot of good, but then again...
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.
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Top man - will be missed - hopefully Frank can pick up the straight talking approach Charlie was so good at.
I will do my best, but I don't think anyone listens to me.
All I do is make the stuff I would've liked
Reference things I wanna watch, reference girls I wanna bite
Now I'm firefly like a burning kite
And yousa fake fuck like a fleshlight
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Farewell Charlie, Still a spring in his step at the play off with Kossa, Nicholas Tai in hot pursuit.
I loved his press conference inviting the Scottish fans to the NZ-Russia game at THE world cup.
Getting funds for 1982 was brilliant. Seeing NZ beat Mexico 4-0 was special too.
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