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 during his distinguished career spanning from 1997 to 2008.
In a statement released by the FA, the organization expressed its condolences: "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 Pioneering Career in Football
Rennie's Premier League journey began with his first fixture overseeing a match between Derby and Wimbledon. His groundbreaking presence on the pitch helped pave the way for greater diversity in football officiating at the highest levels.
His passing comes shortly after he was appointed Chancellor at Sheffield Hallam University. In recent times, Rennie had spoken publicly about his battle with a rare medical condition that had left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Throughout his career, Rennie earned respect for his commanding presence on the pitch and his contribution to the development of refereeing in English football.
The football community has begun paying tribute to Rennie's legacy as both a pioneering figure in the sport and a respected official whose impact extended beyond the boundaries of the pitch.
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