JFA Hall of Fame Inductee

MARUYAMA Yoshiyuki

Inductees Recommended by the Committee (Special Selection)

Born in Tochigi on 28 October 1931

Plays football at Tochigi Prefectural Imaichi High School and Chuo University, before beginning a career as a match official, and becoming known as one of the top football referees in Japan. Registered as an international referee from 1961 to 1976.

Served as a linesman (assistant referee) at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 1964, and as a referee for the group match between Hungary and Ghana at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City (becoming only the second Japanese referee to take charge of a match at the Olympic Games, following Genichi Fukushima). Named as the first ever Japanese World Cup official for the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, where he served as a linesman (assistant referee) in two matches, including the group match between Peru and Bulgaria. Presented with a FIFA special contribution award in 1979 after 15 years as an international referee. Also served as a referee for a total of 62 matches in the JSL First Division (between 1965 and 1976).

Later applied his rich experiences as a referee and position as a trainer to contribute to the development of football refereeing not only in Japan, but throughout Asia. Also served as head of the JSL's disciplinary committee (between 1985 and 2002), devoting his energies into promoting the principles of fair play and offering leadership and training to other top league officials.

Also coaches the Chuo University from 1955, leading the team to many national titles. Also tours the country to provide coaching to other students for more than 40 years, sowing the seeds of football development in every part of Japan. Recognised for these efforts with international volunteer awards from the IOC and FIFA in 2001.

• 
  HIRAKI Ryuzo
• Christopher W. McDONALD