Former Tamil Nadu Football Association president C. R. Viswanathan passes away

CRV, as he was affectionately called, is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

C. R. Viswanathan the was president of Tamil Nadu Football Association (TFA) and vice-president of All India Football Federation (AIFF). - N. BALAJI

C. R. Visswanathan, a well-known football administrator in Tamil Nadu, passed away aged 85 here early Tuesday morning. CRV, as he was affectionately called, is survived by his wife, daughter and son.

CRV was the president of Tamil Nadu Football Association (TFA) and the vice-president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). He was also the president of the Chennai District Football Association (1984-2009) and the Coimbatore District Football Association (‘72-74).

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CRV was instrumental in the construction of the Nehru Stadium in the city and played a crucial role in the State hosting the Nehru Gold Cup International tournament at the Stadium in 1993 and the SAF Games in 1995. He also held various posts in AIFF. He was its vice-president (2004-’08), member of the Executive Committee (‘08-12) and Chairman of the Technical Committee (‘08-12).

AIFF condoled the death of CRV. In a message, AIFF president Praful Patel said: “He will be remembered for his contribution to Indian football, and sports. My thoughts lie with his family. We pray for his soul to rest in peace,” he said. Ravikumar David, who served as secretary and treasurer of TFA during the time of CRV said: “He was always encouraging. Thanks to him, I went as Manager of the Indian youth (u-21) team to Sri Lanka in 2007-08.”