The CAFE team was saddened to hear of the passing of Xavier Daniel at the age of just 45.

Xavier was the Head of Public Affairs & Host City Relations of EURO 2016 SAS, working on the delivery of UEFA EURO 2016 in France and liaising with the host venues in preparation for the tournament.

Xavier also worked closely with CAFE on ensuring that disabled fans would enjoy a welcoming and inclusive experience.

Prior to working with UEFA, Xavier was employed by the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) in France. He became one of the LFP’s leading advisors on stadium construction and management, and worked closely with organisations such as ESSMA (European Stadium & Safety Management Association).

CAFE Managing Director Joyce Cook said, “We were all saddened to hear this news. Xavier was a good friend and supporter to CAFE and our works to ensure access for all. At this sad time, we extend our deepest sympathies to Xavier’s family, friends, and colleagues”.

Jacques Lambert, the President of EURO 2016 SAS, worked with Xavier for a number of years and in a statement released on the UEFA website said, “What we hoped would be a short absence has become an irreversible and gaping hole in our small team. Xavier was a true professional, but so much more than that. He was an engaging man. A good guy, and a warm-hearted, cheerful colleague. He loved life and was a friend to everyone. He had an innate ability to connect with others. He established incredibly close and trusting relationships with the representatives of the candidate cities, later the host cities, and with the stadium operators, which went a long way in establishing the calm, extremely constructive atmosphere in which we are progressing towards EURO 2016. In this and so much else, he can never be replaced".

Xavier Daniel 1970 - 2016

A version of this article is also available in French.

Published 05/01/2016