On behalf of the Australian football community, Football Federation Australia sends its condolences to the Vessey family on the passing of Alan Vessey, a former CEO of the Australian Soccer Federation.
Alan Vessey through the course of his career made outstanding contributions at each and every level of football administration in Australia. From his beginning as General Secretary of Queensland Soccer Federation in 1975 he strove to strengthen the foundations of football not only within the administrative structures he operated, but in the development of the individuals and groups surrounding.
He had been a leader in the club environment, at the Member Federation level and also with the national governing body including serving as CEO of Australian Soccer Federation from 1988 to 1991. During this time he was also appointed as FIFA Lecturer in Administration for the FIFA/Coca-Cola Development program in the Oceania region, continued his appointment as Chairman of Local Organising Committee Brisbane and held the position of Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the Olympic Games matches played in Brisbane.
Alan brought great professionalism to all roles that he had undertaken in football, whether that be working with the grassroots community or on major international football events. He put systems and structures in place which continue to deliver significant outcomes for the football community, ranging from annual National Championships through to visiting international teams and officials. Alan also identified and developed many staff over the years who are still contributing to football in Australia across many different facets of the sport.
Alan was inducted into the FFA Hall of Fame in 2012 in recognition of his services to football in Australia.