Stanley Rous

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Sir Stanley Rous (April 25, 1895July 18, 1986) was an English football referee and administrator.

Originally a sports teacher at Watford Boys Grammar School (ironically being responsible for the school changing its main sport from association football to rugby union), Rous played football at amateur level in goal, as well as being an international-standard referee officiating at 36 international matches. After retiring from playing he moved into administration; he served as secretary of the Football Association from 1934 to 1962, and president of FIFA from 1961 to 1974. Upon his retirement as president, on June 11, 1974, he was nominated Honorary President of FIFA.

Rous made a major contribution to the game by rewriting the Laws of the Game in 1938, making them simpler and easier to understand.

The short-lived Rous Cup was named after him as is the Rous Stand at Watford FC's Vicarage Road ground.

Sir Stanley died in 1986 at the age of 91 and his ashes were scatted on a Norfolk football pitch, near the village where he was born.

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Preceded by
Arthur Drewry
Presidents of FIFA
1961–1974
Succeeded by
João Havelange