FIFA remembers Ghanaian World Cup referee

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has expressed his sadness following the passing of Benjamin Dwomoh, who refereed at the FIFA World Cup in 1982.

Dwomoh's passing follows that of two other stars of the game - George Alhassan and Emmanuel Quarshie - in recent weeks.

In separate letters to Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi, Blatter conveyed his sympathies for the losses.

“Benjamin will be sorely missed but also fondly remembered as a FIFA referee who officiated in the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain. He also served the Ghana Football Association as a General Secretary and a member of the Disciplinary Committee. Benjamin will be remembered for the contributions he made to Ghanaian football and for his skilled refereeing.”

“George Alhassan, who played for clubs in Ghana, Gabon and Korea [Republic], as well as for the Black Stars, will be remembered for his accomplishments and the contributions he made to our sport, in particular his performance in the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations, which Ghana won on home soul, wrote Blatter, who remarked on Quarshie: “He served the game with great distinction and success, both as player and coach, captained Ghana to their fourth Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1982, and was no doubt an inspiration to your country's current exciting crop of players.

Alhassan helped Ghana conquer the continent in 1978 and 1982, finishing as the top scorer in the latter tournament and being named in its team of the tournament.

Quarshie was made the best XI from Cup on Nations in 1982. He inspired Hasaacas to the West African Football Union (WAFU) crown in 1982.