With 23 inductees, representing 14 different countries, the CONCACAF Hall of Fame contains men and women from around the region and indeed the globe. From administrators to referees to coaches to elected officials, the current members of the CONCACAF Hall of Fame are an impressive group - many of whom have dedicated their entire professional lives to the advancement and growth of football in the CONCACAF region and throughout the world.
With over 40 years of expertise in sports medicine, Dr. Rudy Gittens has been a driving force over the past two decades in the establishment and continued success of the Canadian Soccer Association Medical Committee. In 1994, he was appointed medical director for the CONCACAF Medical Committee. In the same year, he was also appointed to the FIFA Sports Medical Committee which he has served with distinction notably in areas including research and drug doping.
Arturo Yamasaki has been profound influence in refereeing for over fifty years and is credited with growing refereeing internationally for both men and women. He refereed at three consecutive World Cups - Chile 1962, England 1966 and Mexico 1970 where he was in charge for the famous West Germany-Italy semifinal game. After hanging up his whistle, Yamasaki became integrally involved with the Mexican Federation's Referee's Commission including a spell as chair of the commission from 2003-2006.
Patrick John, who was unable to be present for the CONCACAF Hall of Fame induction but his award was received by Harold Taylor of FIFA Development Office, has contributed to the development of football as both a national player for some 14 years and as an administrator. President of the Dominica Football Federation since 1992, inducted into the Dominica Hall of Fame in 1998, John has had a profound impact on football in the Commonwealth of Dominica, CONCACAF and the Caribbean Football Union. In 2004, his extensive body of work for this country, his region and his confederation was recognized when he was a recipient of the FIFA Centennial Order of Merit.
CONCACAF also honoured the former General Secretary of the Asian Football Confederation, Dato' Peter Velappan (of Malaysia), and the former President of UEFA (Union des Associations Européennes de Football), Lennart Johansson (of Sweden) with special awards.
Photos- Harold Taylor (FIFA), Rudy Gittens (CAN), Jack Warner (CONCACAF), Arturo Yamasaki (MEX), Joseph Blatter (FIFA)
