Mr. Velappan served as the General Secretary of the AFC for 29 years from 1978 to 2007.
AIFF President Mr. Praful Patel in his statement said: “On behalf of the Indian Footballing fraternity we mourn the death of Dato Velappan. He was a very able administrator who inspired Asian Football with his vision. Football in Asia will always be indebted to him for his contribution. May his soul rest in peace.”