Liechtenstein's finest Hasler dies aged 56
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
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Former Neuchâtel Xamax FC and Servette FC right-back Rainer Hasler, the most celebrated footballer in Liechtenstein's history, has died following a long illness at the age of 56.
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Rainer Hasler, who was named Liechtenstein's Golden Player as part of UEFA's Jubilee celebrations in 2004, has died at the age of 56 following a long illness.
The right-back shone in Switzerland for Neuchâtel Xamax FC (1979–83) and Servette FC (1983–89), where he won the Swiss Cup in 1983/84 and the league title in the following season. He had started his career with Zurich side Grasshopper Club and also represented FC Vaduz, who are based in Liechtenstein but play in the Swiss league.
He retired from football in 1989, aged 31, having never turned out for the Liechtenstein national team, which did not begin to play official qualifying games until 1994, when the Liechtenstein Football Association (LFV) became a member of FIFA and UEFA.
"My clubs weren't sure that I would be properly insured playing international matches," he said in 2004. "The LFV went to a lot of trouble on my behalf but they were not equipped to deal with those issues."
Following his retirement, he worked in an office in Switzerland, with his son Nicolas following his father into football. He plays for Vaduz and the national side.
