Peter Mikkelsen, one of world football’s leading referees in the 1980s and 1990s passed away on Tuesday at the age of 58 following a long illness. Mikkelsen made his officiating debut in the Danish Super League in 1985 and became a FIFA referee the same year. He finished his international career in 1996 and officiated at his last game in Denmark in 1998. He refereed at five FIFA World Cup matches, two in Italy in 1990 and three in the USA in 1994. He also refereed at two UEFA European Football Championship tournaments, 1992 in Sweden and 1996 in England. Mikkelsen won the World Referee of the Year Award in 1991 and 1993. He was a UEFA referee observer and took care of young Danish referees. Mikkelsen was a valued member of the FIFA Referees Committee for many years.
Speaking about Mikkelsen’s death, Chairman of FIFA’s Referees Committee Pierluigi Collina said: “Peter was passionate about football and a highly respected sportsman throughout his career. He truly lived football and his skill in refereeing was acknowledged far beyond Danish borders. We will remember him fondly in particular for his commitment to instilling the same passion in young referees that so distinguished him on the pitch. He was probably Denmark’s best referee and was a true role model for all of us. His many colleagues in Denmark, FIFA and the global football community will remember him with much affection and admiration.”
Source: FIFA
