Former referee Antonio Briguglio passes away aged 91

Former Maltese referee Antonio P. Briguglio has passed away at the age of 91.

Briguglio was widely regarded as one of the most respected refereeing figures in Maltese football, with a career that left a lasting mark on the local game and beyond.

Born in Ħamrun in 1934, Briguglio started his refereeing career in 1961 and went on to spend 16 years on the FIFA and UEFA panel of referees. He also served as a UEFA Referees’ Observer and attained a UEFA C Licence as a football coach.

His career included several important international appointments. He was the only Maltese referee to be appointed by FIFA to control a match in Asia, between Saudi Arabia and Iran. He was also appointed by UEFA as a linesman for the Under 21 final between England and Germany at the Nou Camp in Barcelona.

Briguglio also held important administrative roles within the game. He served as President of the Malta Football Referees Association and was a member of the MFA Referees’ Board between 1985 and 1987.

His contribution to sport was not limited to football. Briguglio was also active in basketball, serving as a referee for many years and officiating in international matches, including the Pan Arab Championships in Tunisia. He was also involved in Maltese bocci and founded the Federazzjoni Klabbs tal Boċċi, becoming its first president

In 2022, Briguglio was recognised in the Republic Day Honours for his long-standing service to Maltese sport. He was later also recognised by the Malta FA, becoming the first referee inducted into the Malta FA Hall of Fame.

Briguglio’s passing will be felt deeply by the Maltese football community, especially among those involved in refereeing, where his name remains linked with discipline, authority and respect.

Malta Sport extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends and loved ones, as well as to the entire Maltese football community.

May he rest in peace.