Sydney FC is mourning former Chief Executive Officer Stefan Kamasz who has passed away peacefully at his home overnight at the age of 76.
Kamasz is a Football Australia Hall of Fame Inductee and a revered figure in the game following over 50 years service both as a player and football administrator.
He served as Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer between March 2008 and September 2009 and was later the club’s Head Of Football, as well as the Sky Blues General Manager, Community & Game Development.
Kamasz was a gentleman and a very popular figure among Sydney FC players, staff and fans and was a key figure in bringing double winning Head Coach Vitezslav Lavicka to the club ahead of the 2009-10 season.
He was also responsible for setting up the early incarnations of the Sky Blues highly successful school holiday clinics.
Sydney FC Chairman Scott Barlow said: “Stefan Kamasz made a great impact during his time at Sydney FC.
“His leadership and passion from grassroots to the professional level helped shape our club during its formative years.
“Stefan was universally respected not only for his work but also for the grace and dignity he brought to every aspect of his role.
“He was a true gentleman who will remain part of the Sydney FC family.
“On behalf of Sydney FC, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Stefan’s family, loved ones, and friends during this difficult time.”
Stefan was always a passionate advocate for the game in Australia since arriving from England in 1969 as a player, winning three Championships in 1971, 1972, and 1973 in the Northern NSW competition.
He graduated to numerous roles within sports administration and was General Manager of the National Soccer League between 1996 and 2004, where he was a member of the Socceroos delegation in London who witnessed Australia’s 3-1 win over England in 2003.
When the NSL was restructured in 2004, Kamasz played a key role in the development of the A-League as a member of the implementation panel responsible for the landmark Kemeny Report.
His lifetime achievements were recognised when he was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2014.
Sydney FC extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who were privileged to know and work with him.
Tonight there will be a moment’s silence ahead of our clash with Perth Glory at Allianz Stadium while the Sydney FC players will wear armbands as a mark of respect.
Rest in Peace, Stefan Kamasz.
