Les Murray passes away

Iconic SBS football presenter Les Murray AM passed away this morning following a battle with illness.

Les, aged 71, 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 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. 

SBS passes on their 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. 

"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," SBS Managing Director, Michael Ebeid said.

"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."