Mr Football dies, 71

LES Murray, Australian soccer’s great advocate and broadcasting voice of a generation, died yesterday aged 71 after a long battle with illness. Murray was born in Hungary in 1945, arriving in Australia as a refugee as a child.

A 35-year career bringing the world game into Australian homes followed. Murray, known as Mr Football for his advocacy of the sport, became the face of soccer coverage at SBS. He was inducted into the Football Federation Australia Hall of Fame in 2003, before retiring in 2014. “From humble refugee origins, he became one Australia’s most recognised and loved sporting identities,” SBS managing director Michael Ebeid said.

Murray is survived by partner Maria and daughters Tania and Natalie.