Dato’ Peter Velappan was a revolutionary figure in Asian football, serving as the General Secretary of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) from 1978 to 2007. His vision, dedication, and leadership helped transform Asian football into a global force. From introducing professionalism in Malaysia to playing a key role in bringing the FIFA World Cup to Asia, his contributions remain invaluable.
Early Life and Education of Dato’ Peter Velappan
Born on October 1, 1935, in Malaysia, Peter Velappan grew up in a time of historical turmoil. His early experiences, including witnessing the Japanese invasion of Malaya during World War II, shaped his resilience and determination. He pursued higher education at the University of Birmingham, Loughborough College in the UK, and McGill University in Canada. Equipped with global knowledge, he initially worked as a teacher in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan before embarking on a football administration career that would change the sport in Asia forever.
The Rise of a Football Administrator
Dato’ Peter Velappan’s journey in football began in 1954 when he joined the Asian Football Confederation. From 1963 to 1980, he served as the Assistant Secretary of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), where he laid the foundation for Malaysia’s footballing professionalism. One of his biggest early successes was leading the Malaysian national team to qualify for the 1972 Munich Olympics, an achievement that remains a historic milestone for the country.
Transforming Asian Football at the AFC
When Dato’ Peter Velappan was appointed General Secretary of the AFC in 1978, he had a grand vision for Asian football. During his tenure, he played a key role in expanding the AFC by bringing in new member nations, strengthening football structures, and raising the competitiveness of Asian teams. His leadership ensured that Asia hosted its first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2002, a landmark achievement for the continent.
The 2002 FIFA World Cup: A Masterstroke
One of Dato’ Peter Velappan’s defining moments came in the lead-up to the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Japan and South Korea had both bid separately to host the tournament, creating intense rivalry. Velappan stepped in as a peacemaker and proposed the idea of co-hosting, a revolutionary concept at the time. His diplomatic skills turned a fierce contest into a historic partnership, making Asia the focal point of global football for the first time.
Vision Asia: Laying the Foundation for the Future
Even after retiring from the AFC in 2007, Dato’ Peter Velappan remained deeply involved in football development. He led Vision Asia, a pioneering project aimed at popularizing football at the grassroots level and improving the overall quality of the sport across the continent. His belief in youth development and structured football programs helped lay the groundwork for Asia’s growing success on the global stage.
A Man of Integrity and Diplomacy
Dato’ Peter Velappan was more than just a football administrator; he was a statesman of the sport. His ability to handle difficult political and regional tensions was legendary. A notable example of his diplomatic finesse was during an AFC Executive Committee meeting in the late 1990s, where the then-president Sultan Ahmad Shah attempted to remove him from office.
However, Dato’ Peter Velappan’s influence and credibility were so strong that the Exco members unanimously backed him, forcing the president to withdraw the motion. This incident solidified his reputation as a respected and untouchable figure in Asian football.
Building a Billion-Dollar Industry
Dato’ Peter Velappan was a visionary in recognizing the commercial potential of football in Asia. In 1992, he made a groundbreaking decision to sign a marketing partnership deal for the AFC, paving the way for football to become a multi-billion-dollar industry in Asia. By 1993, the AFC had secured a $10 million sponsorship deal, marking the beginning of football’s commercialization in the region. His foresight led to long-term deals that eventually turned Asian football into an economic powerhouse.
Personal Traits and Unshakable Determination
Velappan was known for his calm demeanor, resilience, and ever-present smile. Even in the face of adversity, he remained composed, ensuring that Asian football progressed smoothly. His public relations skills and ability to unite rival factions within the AFC, including East Asia vs. West Asia and Japan vs. Korea vs. China disputes, showcased his exceptional leadership abilities.
Retirement and Final Years
After retiring from the AFC, Velappan briefly returned to the football scene, supporting Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa in his bid to challenge Mohamed bin Hammam for a FIFA Executive Committee seat. Beyond football, he planned to write his memoirs and indulge in golf, a sport in which he had once been a scratch handicapper.
Death and Lasting Impact
Dato’ Peter Velappan passed away on October 20, 2018, at the age of 83. His legacy, however, lives on in every aspect of Asian football. Today, the AFC stands as a robust organization, and Asian football has a global presence, much of which can be traced back to his tireless work and groundbreaking initiatives.
Also Read : Steven Thiru: A Respected Advocate in Employment and Constitutional Law