Argentine FA President JULIO GRONDONA died on Wednesday at the age of 82, according to the AP. CONMEBOL announced the news of his death. He had been hospitalized earlier in the day. Grondona took over as AFA president in '79 and was also a FIFA senior VP, although he had announced "that we would step down from his posts" in '15. FIFA President SEPP BLATTER tweeted, "Very sad for the loss of a great friend. Julio Grondona has left us at 82. Rest in peace." Barcelona's LIONEL MESSI wrote on his Facebook page, "Really sad day for the football community, for Argentina and for me. Our AFA President, Julio Grondona, has left us. I want to send my condolences to the family and friends of the beloved." Grondona attended the World Cup final three weeks ago when Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. With "Grondona in charge, Argentina won the World Cup in 1986 and lost the final in 1990 and 2014" (AP, 7/30). The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said in a statement that it wished to express sincere condolences to Grondona's family and loved ones. The statement said RFEF "joins in the condolences" for the death of Grondona, whom RFEF called a "loyal friend" (RFEF).
