Football Australia is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Director John Dimtsis.
The Football Victoria Hall of Fame member and Heidelberg United FC legend passed away on Tuesday evening after a long battle with illness.
John was born in Greece and came to Australia at the age of nine. After attending Northcote High School, he joined the Commonwealth Bank before moving to the State Bank of Victoria, where he worked intimately with the area’s large Greek community.
This path led him to the Alexander Soccer Club, then playing at John Street. He quickly became an influential administrator, serving as Club Treasurer before gaining the attention of the Victorian Soccer Federation (VSF).
After impressing members of the VSF, he formally joined the organisation's board in 1972 and became its treasurer in 1973, while retaining his role as treasurer of Fitzroy United Alexander.
By 1980 Dimtsis had become renowned in the industry and was appointed President of the VSF, succeeding Theo Marmaras. He held the position until 1991.
In that time, he responded to criticism that the VSF was too Melbourne-centric and among other initiatives, launched ‘state of origin’ matches between Sunraysia and the equivalent region in South Australia.
He, along with Vito Cilauro and George Wallace, introduced the restructured top tier, the Victorian Premier League in 1991.
While retaining his role as President of the VSF, Dimtsis became Treasurer of the Australian Soccer Federation (ASF) and Deputy Chairman under John Constantine, following the implementation of the Bradley Report.
Dimtsis presided over the World Indoor Cup tournament held in Melbourne in 1988 when Futsal was overseen by Federation International de Football de Salon (FIFUSA).
During his time with ASF, he managed referees, juniors, indoor soccer, and women’s football. He played a major role in negotiating the merger between the men’s and women’s organisations and helped facilitate the latter’s entry into Olympic competition.
Following the departure of Constantine, Dimtsis served as acting chairman of the ASF in 1995 until David Hill’s appointment shortly after.
After five years following his period at the ASF he returned to his beloved roots by re-joining Heidelberg United, completing his spell as president of the club at the conclusion of 2014.
He was made an Honorary Life member of HUFC in 2016 and in 2017, inducted into Football Victoria’s Hall of Fame.
Football Australia sends its condolences to the Dimtsis family and those closest to John. Vale.
