Maltese football on Friday was mourning the death of former Birkirkara president Joe Gauci.
The veteran football administrator was a beloved figure in the football fraternity and will be best remembered for his spell at the helm of Birkirkara FC.
Gauci, in fact was at the helm of the club between 1987 and 1996 before he was replaced by Victor Zammit.
Still, he remained an active committee member with Birkirkara FC in the following years which have seen the club win several honours in Maltese football.
During his career as football administrator, Gauci also served as a member of the Malta Football Association Executive Committee, representing Birkirkara FC.
When Norman Darmanin Demajo was elected as president of the Malta Football Association, Gauci was appointed as his personal consultant.
There were several personalities in the Maltese football community that paid tribute.
John Borg, the former secretary of Birkirkara FC, said that football had lost a gentleman.
“I’m so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of a true friend and gentleman, ex-president and long time committee member of Birkirkara FC, Joe Gauci,” Borg wrote on his facebook page.
“I have so many memories and moments of joy with you Joe, some of sadness as football life is a mixed basket.
“The local football community has lost a sincere gentleman and Birkirkara has lost one of its own, a legend.
“God bless your soul Joe and sincere condolences to your family.”
On their part Birkirkara FC wrote: “The club is deeply saddened by the news that former President Mr. Joe (Guzi) Gauci has passed away. Deepest condolences go out to his wife Doreen, sons Paul and Mark, daughter Roberta and their respective families. Mr. Gauci was and always will be part of the clubs history,” the Premier League club said.
