Football Queensland (FQ) is deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of inaugural Life Member Ian Brusasco AO, AM aged 92. 

Born in North Queensland in 1928, Ian was a leading figure in the formation of the Queensland Soccer Federation (now Football Queensland) and served as its President from 1961 – 1965, and from 1981 – 1988.

He became President of the Australian Soccer Federation (now Football Australia) from 1988 – 1989 and Vice President of the Oceania Football Confederation, and held various other senior executive roles across the game including Chairman of the World Cup sub-committee. 

Ian was named a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia on 26 January 1988 in recognition of his service to football, and became an inaugural member of the Queensland Academy of Sport in 1989. 

From 1993 – 1999, he served as Chairman of the Trustee Management Group of the Brisbane Strikers and was in charge in when the team won the National Soccer League Grand Final in 1997. 

A Life Member of Brisbane City FC, Ian was inducted into the Australian Soccer Hall of Fame as an inaugural member in 1999. 

Whilst widely known and respected for his service to football, Ian was also renowned for his philanthropic work as co-founder of the Queensland branch of Foodbank and the Foodbank Queensland Foundation, serving as Chairman and Director for over 20 years. 

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

One of the true pioneers of our game here in Queensland, Ian’s tireless contributions to football will never be forgotten. 

Football Queensland extends our deepest condolences to Ian’s family and loved ones.