LAUSANNE, August 6, 2023 – The Lebanese, Arab and international sports media bid farewell to veteran sports journalist and AIPS Member Youssef Berjaoui, who passed away at his house in Beirut, Lebanon this Saturday afternoon, August 5, 2023.

DEAN OF ARAB JOURNALISTS The late Berjaoui had served in sports journalism for over 60 years. During his career, he assumed the position of Lebanese Sports Media Association president for several years. He has covered hundreds of national, regional and international sporting events, thus including 10 Olympic Games and 10 FIFA World Cups, the latest is the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. AIPS had recognized his work in Journalists on the Podium special ceremony held in Doha, during Qatar 2022.

He was a former historical media director of the Lebanese national football team, recently honoured by the current President of the Lebanese Football Association, Adnan Blaiq and his Secretary with a plaque of appreciation, during the signing of his latest published book “A Flag & A Pen”.

AIPS APPRECIATION The work of the late had never gone unnoticed at AIPS, the AIPS EC esteemed members delivered their condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Berjaoui. He celebrated his 30^th AIPS Congress attendance in Seoul, South Korea on May 2023. He was awarded as best leading veteran journalist by AIPS Asia’s Legends Awards, during the AIPS Congress in Seoul.

HOME RECOGNITION The Lebanese Republic President, General Michel Aoun, awarded sports journalist and AIPS Member Youssef Berjaoui the Lebanese Silver Medal of Merit in appreciation of his services in sports media, received at Baabda Palace in the presence of Berjaoui's daughter Zina and the president of the Lebanese Sports Media Association, Rashid Nassar.

Mr Berjaoui began his journalistic life in 1965, he established the sports department in the Lebanese “Safir” Newspaper and assumed the position of sports editor until its occultation six years ago. He held membership in the Executive Committee of the Lebanese Football Association, and membership in several committees in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).