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Tributes are paid to Taylor

24 Jun 2014 22:01:59

Tributes are paid to Taylor


Taylor took on one of the most powerful jobs in world football when he was appointed as general secretary of UEFA under Michel Platini in 2007. He was viewed as the architect of the move to expand the European Championships from 16 to 24 teams.

SFA president Campbell Ogilvie said: "On behalf of his friends and former colleagues at the Scottish FA, and throughout Scottish football in general, I would to express our profound sadness at the tragic news of David's death.


"David was a solicitor by trade but it was his love of Scottish football and, in particular, the Scotland national team that stirred his passion during his tenure as chief executive.



In 2011, Taylor collapsed during a staff football match after suffering a blockage of the major arteries and his heart stopped before he was revived with a defibrillator.



He joined the Scottish Development Agency (now Scottish Enterprise) in 1985, and held a succession of senior positions before being appointed the first Director of Scottish Trade International - a body set up to promote Scottish business overseas - before his appointment to the SFA. He worked as general executive of UEFA before moving to the post of executive director.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell also paid his tributes.

He said: "This is devastating news and our thoughts and prayers are with David's wife, Cathy, and their children, James and Alan.

"David was a fine man, a personal friend of mine and someone who made a great contribution to the game of football, both in Scotland and across Europe. He will be very sadly missed by everyone who knew him.



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