Vale Ian Brusasco

Football Australia is deeply saddened to have learned of the passing of former Chairman Ian Brusasco AO, AM. 

Brusasco, born outside Ingham, North Queensland, on 4 October 1928, was a legendary figure in the Queensland football community, and was one of dominant figures in the formation of the the Queensland Soccer Federation.

In 1968 his progressive efforts earned him life membership of the Australian Soccer Federation (ASF), as well as life membership of the Queensland Soccer Federation.

Brusasco was chairman of the World Cup sub-committee, was tour leader with the Australian teams overseas, and held the position of chairman of the ASF from 1988 to 1989.

While President of the ASF, he was also Vice President of the Oceania Football Confederation.

He was the Chairman of the Trustee Management Group of the Brisbane Strikers from 1993–1999 and was in charge when the team won the National Soccer League Grand Final in 1997 in front of 45,000 fans at Lang Park. 

On 26 January 1988 Brusasco was named a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia "in recognition of service to the sport of soccer".

In 1999 he was inducted into the inaugural Football Australia Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to football.

On 11 June 2012 he was named an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia for "distinguished service to the community of Queensland through leadership roles with a range of public administration, sporting and charitable organisations, particularly Foodbank Queensland".

He was Director or Chairman for various different organisations, just a few of which include: Foodbank (Qld) Ltd, Workcover Queensland, Port of Brisbane, Keep Australia Beautiful Council, Queensland Investment Corporation, Gladstone Port Corporation Ltd, TAB, and 4KQ.

Brusasco's son, Mark, represented the Socceroos in 1980, making his 'A' international debut against Papua New Guinea.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the immediate and extended Brusasco family, and those closest to Ian.