New Delhi: Former FIFA referee SK Bhattacharya passed away on Tuesday in Chandanpur, West Bengal, following a brief illness He was 87 years old. 

One of India's most reputed referees in the 1960's and 1970's, Bhattacharya held the distinction of supervising the Asia Cup finals in the 1972 tournament in Tehran. He also supervised the finals of all top tournaments in the country, including Durand Cup, DCM trophy and IAF Shield.

Being very strict on the field, capital's players, in the prestigious Delhi Senior Division league, were scared of his strict decisions and paid due respect. With his passing away not only Delhi, but the country has lost a one of the finest referees ever seen while supervising in the field.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) vice- president and Delhi Soccer Association (DSA) and the managing committee members deeply mourned his death and expressed their heartfelt condolences over his untimely death.