Former FA chairman Lord Triesman dies, aged 82
The acclaimed Jewish politician and businessman died on Friday night at home
Lord Triesman, former chairman of the Football Association and an ex-Labour minister, has died at the age of 82, Labour has announced.
The acclaimed Jewish politician and businessman died on Friday night, the party said in a statement. “He was 82. He died last night peacefully and at home,” it read.
Triesman, born into a left-wing Jewish family in Tottenham, was appointed in 2008 as the FA’s first independent chairman, stepping down from the role in May 2010.
He was also the general secretary of the AUT (Association of University Teachers) and the general secretary of the Labour Party before he joined Sir Tony Blair’s government in the House of Lords in 2004.
He served as a Foreign Office minister and then later as under-secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills.
Lord Triesman was later Labour’s shadow minister for foreign affairs, and also sat on several prominent select committees.
“He pursued a very active role in the House of Lords from 2004 until his death and served as a Lord in Waiting to Queen Elizabeth II from 2004-2022,” Labour’s statement continued.
“A passionate Spurs fan, Lord Triesman became the first patron of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and the first independent chair of the FA (Football Association) from which platform he advocated intensely against racism in football and for the increased centrality of women’s football.
“He later played an important role in the exposing of corruption within FIFA.”
The statement concluded: “Beyond his many public roles, David will be ever missed by his family and friends for his warmth, love, humour, insight and the ceaseless encouragement he gave to the younger generations of their family and their friends’ families.
“Lord Triesman is survived by his wife Lucy, the Lady Triesman, and their daughter Ilona. The family wishes their privacy to be respected at this sad time.”
Former prime minister Blair said the peer was a “vital part of the New Labour movement”.
“Passionate about the cause, whether the Labour Party or football, he was deeply committed to making change to improve people’s lives,” he added.
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