Arsenal life president Ken Friar dies aged 92

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Arsenal have announced the death of life president Ken Friar at the age of 92, one of the most significant figures in the club's history away from the pitch.

Friar worked for Arsenal for 70 years in various roles before being made life president in 2020 after retiring as executive director. He was central to the club's move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, overseeing the stadium project from its inception in 2000 through to completion in 2006.

His contribution to football and to the local community was formally recognised with an OBE for services to football in 2000, followed by the Freedom of the Borough of Islington in 2004.

Tributes from the club

Arsenal's players will wear black armbands in Friar's memory during Tuesday's Champions League match against Lille at the Emirates, with further tributes planned for the Premier League home fixture against Everton on 24 October.

In a club statement, Arsenal said: 'Since our formation in 1886, there have been many inspirational individuals who have driven our club forward, but no one has had an influence on Arsenal Football Club quite like “Mr Friar”.'

The statement continued: 'He will never be forgotten by all those who knew him, be they players who he meticulously talked through a contract, members of the local council who he quietly but persuasively explained the club's value to the borough, staff members who delighted in hearing his treasure trove of stories gleaned over many decades, but, most of all, his family and close friends, who loved him for the kind, generous, wonderful father, grandad or friend that he was.'

The club also noted that Friar lived to see Arsenal secure an 11th league title in his lifetime, adding: 'He still relished every second of seeing Arsenal players conquer all, putting our name in lights across the world, and we couldn't have done it without him.'

Dixon leads personal tributes

Former Arsenal right back Lee Dixon also paid an emotional personal tribute. 'Oh what a sad day indeed, Mr. Ken Friar, I've just found out that you've passed away my friend,' Dixon said. 'I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the guidance that you gave me when I signed for Arsenal. You were there every time I signed a contract in your office telling me those jokes and then retelling me those jokes two years later when I resigned another contract. You were the bedrock of Arsenal football club, and always have been. And you will be sadly missed. So all my condolences go to Mr. Ken Friar's family. And rest in peace, Mr. Friar. I love you.'

Friar's seven decades of service spanned some of the most transformative periods in Arsenal's history, and his legacy will remain tied to the stadium that has hosted the club's biggest nights for the past two decades. Tributes from across the football world are expected to continue in the coming days.