Sad news from the world of Australian sport today, with word that hugely beloved and iconic sports broadcaster Les Murray passed away earlier this morning. He was 71.
SBS confirmed Murray’s passing after a battle with illness mere moments ago.
Les Murray AM passed away this morning following a battle with illness. The thoughts of all of @SBS are with Les’ loved ones. pic.twitter.com/ecvfc7YucO
— SBS – The World Game (@TheWorldGame) July 31, 2017
Murray was the most prominent and pre-eminent voice in Australian association football broadcasting, having served as the host of the SBS’s World Cup broadcasts since 1986.
Murray was also the host of, and regular contributor to ‘The World Game‘ from its inception in 2001 right up until his retirement in 2014.
His popularity and depth of knowledge for the game helped spur its continued rise in popularity in Australia, and in 2003 his body of work was recognised by the FFA with an induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
Broadcasters and prominent personalities have begun posting tributes to Murray on Twitter, as news of his passing spreads.
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
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
Impossible to put into words how much Les Murray helped grow & shape football in this country. Spent many, many Sundays watching TWG. RIP.
— Matt Bungard (@TheMattBungard) July 31, 2017
Les Murray was funny, arcerbic, generous, flawed, kind and unique. Most of all, when most needed, he was Mr Football.#RIPLesMurray
— Richard Hinds (@rdhinds) 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
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
Vale, Les Murray. A titan of the sport. And a loss that will be felt throughout the great game, both in Australia and beyond.
