Sir Arthur George AO

A solicitor, businessman and administrator, Sir Arthur George became involved in soccer through Sydney-based club Pan Hellenic (now Sydney Olympic). He was later elected vice-president of the NSW Soccer Federation. Sir Arthur served as president of the Australian Soccer Federation from 1969 to 1988, a period during which the sport enjoyed substantial growth. Under his national leadership, Australia qualified for the 1974 World Cup Finals; a National Soccer League was formed in 1977; and Australia hosted the World Youth Championships in 1981. Sir Arthur was knighted in 1972 for services to the community and business. In 1987 he was awarded the Order of Australia and was made a member of the FIFA Executive in 1981. That same year Sir Arthur was made a life member of the Australian Soccer Federation. FIFA rewarded his services in 1994 with the Gold Order of Merit, followed by an Honorary Life Membership in 1995.