Former football referee Nizar dies aged 78

Ahmed Nizar, a respected former Maldivian football referee, has died at the age of 78.

Nizar, better known as Referee Nizar, died on Tuesday, after battling a long illness.

His funeral prayers are scheduled to be held at Masjid al-Ta'aawun (Aa Sahara Mosque) after Asr.

Nizar began working as a referee in the early 1970s. He went on to referee first division football for two decades, before a knee injury forced him to retire in early 1990s. But he did not completely leave football, going on to work as a linesman.

Prior to his career as a referee, Nizar had played football and hockey. Some of the clubs he played for include Radiant and Raani.

During his career as a referee, Nizar had been known to join match briefings and referee sessions, sharing his experiences.

He also worked several government jobs, including in the district office.