March 26 – One of football’s most well known and influential figures, Michael Riehl, the Senior Vice President Global Brand and Sports Relations for adidas, died unexpectedly on Sunday in Germany at the age of 56.
Riehl started his career at adidas in 1982 and held senior management positions as Managing Director Adidas Germany, Head of Global Sports Marketing and Head of Global Sports Relations before taking over as Senior Vice President Global Brand and Sports Relations. He was also a member of the committee on international sports organizations of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry and of FIFA’s Marketing and TV Committee.
Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber said: “All of us at Major League Soccer are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Michael Riehl. While Michael’s leadership role in global football will be greatly missed, it is his caring spirit and the joy he brought to his friends, family and business partners that we will all remember. We offer our sincerest condolences to Michael’s family.”
CAF president Isaa Hayatou said: “CAF, and its president Issa Hayatou were shocked and saddened to learn of the recent death at an early hour on March 24 of Michael Riehl, who led adidas global sports relations as part of numerous sport roles he has fulfilled during his rich career in sports.”
“Riehl made an immense contribution to the development of football and sport in general over his career in adidas, and has been a very supportive figure for African football in particular. All of us who knew Riehl personally will miss his kindness, patience, wisdom and professionalism. Our thoughts are with his family and his colleagues as they cope with his unexpected passing.”
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