Werner Winsemann

In 1954, 21-year-old, Werner Winsemann moved from Germany to Canada and became a Canadian citizen in 1960, working in the auto repair business. Winsemann served on the FIFA List of Referees for 10 years (1971 to 1980) and officiated at two FIFA World Cups (1974 and 1978) and two Olympic Games, Munich 1972 and Montreal 1976, running the line in the gold medal match between East Germany and Poland at the latter edition.

Winsemann served as a referee or assistant referee in 29 international “A” matches from 1972-80 (16 as a referee and 13 as an assistant) across nine countries. He also officiated as a referee to Canada Soccer’s Championship matches as well as exhibition matches featuring touring European and South American clubs to Canada.

Winsemann was inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame as a referee, one of the first 11 non-players honoured. He was also recipient of the Ray Morgan Memorial Award in 1980. He was a founding member of British Columbia Soccer Referees’ Association in 1969 and served as a director of the B.C. Soccer Commission.