Sheffield Hallam chancellor and former Premier League referee Uriah Rennie dies aged 65

Sheffield Hallam University chancellor and former Premier League referee Uriah Rennie has died at the age of 65.

As the first black referee in the top flight, Mr Rennie officiated in more than 300 Premier League matches between 1997 and 2008.

Following many other roles in the Sheffield community, he was officially installed as the new chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University last month.

This evening, a statement from the FA said: “The FA Refereeing Department is saddened to hear of the passing of former FIFA and Premier League referee, Uriah Rennie.

“Uriah will forever be remembered as a true trailblazer of the game. Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this time.”

A further statement from Sheffield FA said: “He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.”

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former Chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie.

Uriah made history as the Premier League’s first Black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008. He broke down barriers, shaped our football… pic.twitter.com/4Q3SyB6PrI

— Sheffield FA ⚽️ (@SHCFA) June 8, 2025

Mr Rennie recently spent five months in hospital after being diagnosed with a rare neurological condition late last year, which had left him paralysed from the waist down and learning to walk again.

He had been announced as the new Sheffield Hallam chancellor in November, and following an official ceremony on 8th May said he was “immensely proud” to be beginning the role.

Mr Rennie previously graduated with an MBA from the university and was awarded Honorary Doctorate in 2023 for his contributions to sport and communities in South Yorkshire.

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Tributes to the trailblazing referee have been flooding in from across the country and the world of football – including from local clubs Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, and Sheffield FC.

Hallam FC, of which Mr Rennie was the club’s honorary President, said it was “deeply saddened” to hear of his passing.

“A trailblazer on and off the pitch whose support and council at Sandygate will be sorely missed.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Hallam are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the clubs honorary president Uriah Rennie.

A trailblazer on and off the pitch who support and council at Sandygate will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. #HallamFC pic.twitter.com/ezVnTRFEpR

— Hallam FC (P) (@HallamFC1860) June 8, 2025

Football reporter Alan Biggs has also paid tribute, writing on social media: “So sad to hear of Uriah Rennie’s passing.

“Far too young. A humble, likeable man – modest with so much to be proud about as the Premier League’s first black referee.

“Always a quiet, unflappable courage about him. Thoughts with all Uri’s family and friends.”

On X, Sheffield Central MP Abtisam Mohamed said: “Extremely sad news. A dear friend and supporter to all communities. He will be so sadly and dearly missed.

“Rest well Uriah. You’ve left a community legacy in grassroots sport.”

Mr Rennie was a campaigner on issues such as supporting mental health, deprivation in communities, and advancing equality and inclusion within sport.

His other wide-ranging contributions to Sheffield included holding roles such as patron of Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity and St Luke’s Hospice, ambassador for The Children’s Hospital Charity, trustee at Voluntary Action Sheffield, and president of Sheffield Federation of Schools Sports.

Since 1996, he had also been a magistrate in Sheffield.

Featured image from Sheffield Hallam University