Former FIFA and Premier League referee Uriah Rennie has died at the age of 65, the Football Association (FA) confirmed on Sunday.
Rennie, who made history as the Premier League's first Black referee, officiated more than 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008. His first fixture in the Premier League was a match between Derby and Wimbledon.
In their statement, the FA paid tribute to the pioneering official: "The FA Refereeing Department is saddened to hear of the passing of former FIFA and Premier League referee, Uriah Rennie. Uriah will forever be remembered as a true trailblazer of the game. Our thoughts are with Uriah's family and friends at this time."
A Trailblazer in Football
Rennie's death comes just weeks after he was appointed Chancellor at Sheffield Hallam University. The respected official had recently spoken publicly about his battle with a rare medical condition that had left him paralysed from the waist down.
Throughout his career, Rennie was known for his commanding presence on the pitch and his contribution to breaking barriers in English football. His appointment as the first Black referee in the Premier League marked a significant milestone in the sport's history.
After retiring from refereeing in 2008, Rennie remained involved in football while pursuing other interests, culminating in his recent academic appointment.
The football community across Nigeria and worldwide will remember Rennie not only for his officiating skills but also for his pioneering role in increasing diversity within football's officiating ranks.
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