VALE – JOHN CONSTANTINE

Football NSW was saddened to hear the news of the passing of one of Australia’s leading Football Administrators John Constantine AM, OAM.

Football NSW Chairman Anter Isaac paid tribute to John Constantine who continually worked hard in promoting and administering the world game across all levels.

“Football has lost a great man in John who lived and breathed the sport.

“John played a pivotal role in getting the game to where it is today.

“The game will sorely miss John who was a well-liked and respected football administrator across the country.

“From the entire football family in NSW, our deepest condolences go out to the Constantine family at this most difficult time,” concluded Isaac. 

Constantine was a  well-loved football advocate who continually pushed for promotion of the sport.

Born in Cyprus in 1946, John Constantine came to Sydney in 1954 where he began playing Football at Enmore school.

He went on to represent Western Districts at three age levels before joining APIA and Pan Hellenic.

In 1976, Constantine became a member of the Sydney Olympic board, a position he held for six years until his appointment as President of the NSW Federation in 1982.

In 1990 he was elected chairman of the Australian Soccer Federation, serving with distinction for five years.

In his long sports administration career, Constantine was section manager at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, a member of the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust from 1985-1998, and a member of the Sydney 2000 Olympic bid committee.

As national football leader, he organised a corporate administration restructure and helped stage the 1993 World Youth Championship.

Other career highlights include his appointment by FIFA to various executive committees and the successful negotiation of pay television rights for Australian football.

Constantine was made a Life Member of Soccer Australia in 1997 and was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for services to soccer in 1992.

In 2001 Constantine was inducted into the FFA Hall of Fame for his services to football as an administrator.

John is survived by his wife Olga and his children Lea, Dean, Sophia and Christina.

Details of his funeral service are – 4th January at 10:30am at St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church followed by the burial at 1:30pm at Field of Mars Cemetery in North Ryde.

Football NSW would like to pass on its deepest condolences to the Constantine family, may he rest in heavenly peace.