Abraham Klein to donate from his collection

As one of the world's best referees, Abraham Klein was an official at three different FIFA World Cups™. In 1970, the Israeli official refereed the match between England and Brazil, before taking charge of the legendary duel between Brazil and Italy in 1982. He also documented his entire career in minute detail, keeping everything from matchballs to yellow cards. Now, at the age of 83, he is donating part of his collection to the FIFA World Football Museum.

The unique pieces donated by Klein include the original matchball and the referee's armband he wore in the final second-round group game between Italy and Brazil at the 1982 World Cup in Spain. He also donated the yellow card he used in the match between Austria and West Germany at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, as well as two Balila referee's whistles that he used in the North American Soccer League between 1977 and 1979.

"It is a truly special honour that some of the pieces from my collection will be on show at the FIFA World Football Museum," said Klein as he handed over the items. "Going through this unique and important exhibition – and soon being a part of it – feels like another milestone for me after being a part of three World Cups."

Event information
In celebration of Mr Klein's donation, the FIFA World Football Museum (located next to at Enge railway station in Zurich) is arranging a special event with him. As part of the cultural programme, the public is cordially invited to join Klein on a journey through the 1970s in the evening of Wednesday, 25 October 2017.

Abraham Klein: My life as a World Cup referee (free entry)