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Australian football has lost its most recognisable voice today, with iconic SBS broadcaster Les Murray passing away after a battle with illness. He was 71.
Murray was a much-loved part of the football coverage on SBS, after originally starting at the TV station as a Hungarian subtitle writer in 1980. Just six years later, he was hosting the network’s coverage of the 1986 World Cup, and such was his impact on the sport in Australia that he came to be known as ‘Mr Football’.
“No one better embodied what SBS represents than Les Murray. From humble refugee origins, he became one Australia’s most recognised and loved sporting identities,” said Michael Ebeid, SBS’s managing director.
“Not just a football icon, but a great Australian story and an inspiration to many, to say that his contribution to SBS and to football was enormous, doesn’t do it justice. This is a devastating loss for all of us at SBS. Our thoughts are with his family and all that loved him.”
Murray’s iconic lilt – a product of his Hungarian upbringing – became synonymous with football in Australia in the three and a half decades he spent involved in broadcasting the sport. His extremely knowledgeable presentation of SBS’s football programming, combined with his sense of humour, made him one of the most-loved broadcasters not just to football fans, but to all sports fans around the country.
Born in 1945 as László Ürge in Budapest, Murray originally arrived in Australia as a refugee in 1956, settling in Wollongong. He began working as a journalist in the 1970s before joining SBS in the following decade.
Murray’s accolades are plentiful; in addition to being an FFA Hall of Fame inductee, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2006. He also enjoyed a stint as a member of FIFA’s ethics committee, and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Sports Journalism in 2009 at the Australian Sports Commission Media Awards.
SBS released a statement following Murray’s death, hailing the legacy he left behind.
“SBS is sad to advise that earlier today Les Murray passed away after a long period of illness.
“Les will be remembered not just for his 35-year contribution to football in Australia, but for being a much-loved colleague, mentor and friend who has left a unique legacy.
“To say he will be sorely missed is an understatement.
“Many Australians know Les as Mr Football, who began working with SBS when it launched as a television broadcaster in 1980. His role went far beyond being a football commentator.
“The growth, popularity and success of football in Australia today is absolutely a reflection of his passion and advocacy for the game that he loved.
“We pass on our deepest sympathies to his family, including his partner Maria and his daughters Tania and Natalie.
“They ask that their privacy is respected during this difficult time.”
The world lost a football colossus this morning, Les Murray AM. He fought well into extra time but whistle has blown. His legacy is lasting
— Craig Foster (@Craig_Foster) July 31, 2017
Devastated at the news that our dear friend & colleague Les Murray has passed away. A great Australian who really has left a great legacy.
— Michael Ebeid (@michaelebeid) July 31, 2017
Les Murray brought the world game to Australian homes. He was the voice of famous victory and heartbreaking defeat, of joy and despair. Vale
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) July 31, 2017
knew this day wasn't far away. legend of the game and of the country. RIP Les Murray
— Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) July 31, 2017
Vale, Les Murray.
Football in this country wouldn't be where it is without him.
That's a legacy.— Adam Peacock (@adampeacock3) July 31, 2017
Les Murray gone. An icon of football in Australia and the reason many of us follow the game.
— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) July 31, 2017