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FC Dallas Mourns Passing of Former Technical Director Fernando Clavijo

February 9, 2019 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Dallas News Release


Frisco, TX - Former FC Dallas Technical Director Fernando Clavijo passed away on Friday at his home in Fort Lauderdale, FL after a five-year battle with multiple myeloma. He was 63.

"Our family is deeply saddened by the loss of Fernando, and our heartfelt condolences are with Martha and the Clavijo family in this difficult time," said FC Dallas Chairman Clark Hunt. "From his days as a player with the U.S. Men's National team to his time as a coach and technical director in Major League Soccer, Fernando made a significant impact on American soccer.

"But beyond the pitch, his warmth, enthusiasm and joyful spirit made him beloved by everyone who knew him. He will be dearly missed."

A former professional soccer player who was a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Clavijo was named FC Dallas Technical Director on March 7, 2012. During his time with FC Dallas, the club won the Supporters' Shield and U.S. Open Cup in 2016.

The Maldonado, Uruguay native played three seasons in the American Soccer League, two in the North American Soccer League and 10 in Major Indoor League Soccer before transitioning to a spot on the sidelines. He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005 after earning 61 caps for the U.S. National Team and played for the U.S. during the 1994 World Cup.

After his playing career, Clavijo transitioned to the sideline and was head coach of the Colorado Rapids from 2005 to 2008. He also served as an assistant with the MetroStars in 1998 and head coach of the New England Revolution from 2000 to 2002. At the international level, Clavijo was an assistant coach with the Nigerian national team in 1998 and head coach of the Haitian national team from 2003 to 2005.

Clavijo stepped down as FC Dallas Technical Director in September, 2018 to focus on his health.

"Fernando was a soccer pioneer. His knowledge and passion for the sport were unparalleled. While he was a phenomenal soccer mind, he was an ever better person who brightened the day of everyone he met," said FC Dallas President Dan Hunt.

"This is a sad time for the FC Dallas family and the entire soccer community.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Martha, his sons Nico and Jonathan, daughter-in-law, Thanne, and grandchildren, Lucas and Sofia, along with all of the individuals whose lives he touched with his heartfelt enthusiasm."

The Clavijo family issued the following statement:

"It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Fernando Clavijo's passing on February 8 after a courageous battle with cancer. The support and encouragement he received from friends and the entire soccer community throughout his fight will always be appreciated. At this time the Clavjio family requests privacy as we mourn the loss of a great man and no additional statements will be made. Further details on remembrances and a celebration of his life will be shared in the near future."

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