FIFA is mourning the passing of European Parliament President David Sassoli after the announcement of his death in Italy at the age of 65.

Mr Sassoli spent three decades as a leading journalist before becoming a Member for European Parliament (MEP) in 2009 and was elected to the Presidency in July 2019. Later that year, President Sassoli hosted FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Brussels, vowing to work together on football’s role as a “beacon for social cohesion” as well as praising steps taken by FIFA to modernise football’s transfer system through reform.

“It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of David Sassoli,” President Infantino said on Tuesday. “Mr Sassoli shared our passion for using football as a tool for social cohesion and inclusion as well as working together on topics such as equality, discrimination, women’s rights, opportunities, free movement, health and climate.

“His proactive and collaborative approach can be highlighted throughout his successful career. On behalf of FIFA, I would like to take this opportunity to pay my respects to him and send my sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all who hold him dear.”