Former UEFA communications director Mike Lee passes away

UEFA is deeply saddened to hear of the death of its former director of communications and public affairs, Mike Lee.

The vastly experienced communications expert, who was 61, served European football’s governing body under President Lennart Johansson from 2000 to 2004, making a crucial and invaluable contribution to developing UEFA’s communications activities - not only at a time of major changes within the organisation as it modernised its structures, but also during a period of constant development within European football.

He was the key figure in the establishment of the UEFA New Media SA company as UEFA embraced digital technology at the start of the new millennium, in particular through the launch of the UEFA.com website in 2001.

Mike Lee went on to work as director of communications and public affairs for London’s successful bid for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

He was involved in a number of bid campaigns in a variety of sports, and also served as a media strategist for the English Premier League from 1994 to 2000.

At the time of his passing, Mike Lee was chairman of VERO, a strategic sports communications company that he launched in 2006.

UEFA wishes to extend its deepest sympathy to Mike’s family and friends at this sad time.