31 July 2017
The Australian Sports Commission has paid tribute to Australian football icon and commentator Les Murray AM, who has passed away at the age of 71.
Murray became synonymous with the rise of football broadcasting in Australia and he became known as ‘Mr Football’ during a 34-year career with SBS.
For many years he was a strong advocate for football alongside former Socceroo and commentator Johnny Warren, the man he described as his sporting “soul-mate”. During a eulogy for Johnny Warren in 2004, Murray said: ‘You told us it should be called football and so it shall be.’
Born in Hungary, Murray’s tremendous contribution to Australian sport was recognised when he was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2006. His exceptional service to Australian sports media was acknowledged when he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement honour at the ASC Media Awards in 2009.
The ASC extends its sympathies to Murray’s family, friends and colleagues.