Football Australia Hall of Fame inductee Vito Cilauro dies, esteemed administrator

Esteemed football administrator Vito Cilauro has died at the age of 95.

A long-serving administrator and member of the Football Australia Hall of Fame, the national and state governing bodies paid tribute to Cilauro following news that on Monday, he had passed.

"Football Australia extends its deepest condolences to Vito's family, friends, and the many who were touched through his contribution to Football in Australia," a statement released on Friday said.

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Vito Cilauro speaks alongside his son Santo Cilauro and Socceroos legend Mark Bresciano. X

"Although he never played the game competitively, his passion for football was profound and unwavering."

Born in Sicily, Italy, in 1930, Cilauro migrated to Melbourne in 1957, aged 21.

As his law qualifications from Italy were not formally recognised in his new home, Cilauro went back to study. His legal background and work as a solicitor would later prove valuable in his administrative roles.

He began his journey in football as a club delegate with Juventus in the 1960s before becoming involved in administration.

Cilauro initially served the Victorian Soccer Federation (now Football Victoria) on the State League Management Committee. He ascended to chairman and held the position from 1976 to 1988.

The dozen years that Cilauro served as chairman are considered a period of significant growth and change for football in the state.

Cilauro also served on the Victorian Soccer Federation Board of Management from 1975, first as deputy chairman, then as chairman, and was appointed a representative to the Australian Soccer Federation (now Football Australia), where he became deputy chairman and toured overseas with Australian national teams.

He also notably served as the Federation's chairman of the appeals board for almost two decades, the longest tenure in that role.

His commitment to football in Victoria and beyond was recognised with Life Membership of the Victorian Soccer Federation in 1988, followed by his induction into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2003.

Cilauro's services to the Italian community in Australia through football were also formally recognised as he was bestowed with a knighthood by the President of the Italian Republic.

Cilauro was a pioneering supporter of women's football in Australia.

At a time when the women's game received little recognition or support, he advocated for strategic processes and a positive feedback loop to promote growth, sustainability, and a competitive advantage.

Cilauro accompanied the Australian Women's National Team on early international tours and was a vocal champion of the team.

Through his lifelong contribution to the sport, Cilauro took immense pride in witnessing the rise of the Matildas in his later years.

"I think he was most proud of where the women's game finds itself today. He was still watching Matildas' matches as recently as last month and marvelled at the success they are now enjoying," Cilauro's son Santo told Football Victoria.

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