20 Oct 2015

Sport: New Caledonian mourns passing of key figure

4:25 pm on 20 October 2015

New Caledonia is mourning the passing of Gaïtcha football club president and deputy mayor of Noumea, Dr. Paul Qaeze at the weekend.

The 64-year-old was in the stands at Stade Numa Daly watching his side take on Tiga in the Super Ligue on Friday night when, as Gaïtcha wrapped up a 2-0 victory, he suffered a heart attack.

The late Gaïtcha football club president and deputy mayor of Noumea, Dr. Paul Qaeze.

The late Gaïtcha football club president and deputy mayor of Noumea, Dr. Paul Qaeze. Photo: Oceania Football

OFC President David Chung says his passing is a major loss for football in New Caledonia.

He says Qaeze brought Gaïtcha back to the top of domestic football in the French territory and oversaw the team's impressive achievements in the Oceania Champions League earlier this year.

A minutes silence was observed at each of the Super Ligue matches held at the weekend.