At the age of 85 – former SFV president Matiere – athlete has passed away

Valais through and through

Everyone who knew Mr. Marcel Mather personally appreciated his style, on the one hand, he was firm and consistent in his decisions. But he was also sensitive, likable, and gifted with a sense of humor that I loved to express.

Mathiere has been a Valencian through and through. He was just as at home in Sierre as he was in Crans-Montana, playing golf with family and friends in his limited spare time at his second home.

new wind

As a young lawyer and notary, Mather joined football. He played for FC Sierre in the third division and was elected to the WFV Board of Directors in Valais at the age of 29. From 1977 to 1986 he headed the WFV. In 1981 he was appointed to the Central Council of the Swiss Football Association. Bring a breath of fresh air to the soccer house. He was appointed Technical Director and Head of Communications for the first time.

With the appointment of the coach, the junior team’s success story began, which later culminated in the 2002 European Championships and the 2009 U-17 World Championships. During his tenure, Mathiere also convinced his two deputies of his plans and intentions.

The then-professional head of the SFL division Ralph Zloschauer, who Mathieer handed over to the office in February 2001, and Urs Salahuddin, the head of the amateur league, were in touch because Mather, for his part, knew how to combine the interests of professionals and amateurs.

Valais home 3 weeks ago

Following his resignation, Mathiere was elected SFV’s honorary president. Mather also made his knowledge of football and as a lawyer at the disposal of FIFA. For 15 years, he chaired the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. He was also responsible for the new statutes of the FIFA.

Despite the great administrative burden, Mathiere especially liked his players, as he used to call up international players, matches and finals in the United States and England and travel with the national team. After a long stay at the Inselspital in Bern, Mathieuer traveled to his home in Valais three weeks earlier to die, where he was confided to close friends.