On March 25, former U.S. Soccer Secretary General Hank Steinbrecher died from complications of degenerative heart disease.

Steinbrecher, 77, had been battling Fabry disease, which is a rare genetic disorder that can cause heart, kidney, and brain problems.

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Steve Sampson, the former U.S. men’s national soccer team coach, released a statement remembering how much Steinbrecher meant to him.

“Hank was one of the most influential persons in my life,” Sampson said. “Our game is immensely better because of Hank.”

In 1990, Steinbrecher assumed the roles of Secretary General and Executive Director of the U.S. Soccer Federation. During his tenure in this role, he helped bring the FIFA Men’s World Cup to the United States, launched Major League Soccer, and elevated both the men’s and women’s U.S. national teams.

Steinbrecher stepped down from his role in early 2000.

In 2005, he was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

In 2012, Steinbrecher received the Werner Fricker Builder Award, the highest honor awarded by the U.S. Soccer Federation.