Football Australia congratulates those acknowledged in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List, in recognition of their exceptional service to football and their contributions to the wider Australian community.
The King’s Birthday Honours recognise Australians who have made a significant contribution, given back to the community or who have achieved extraordinary feats. Among this year’s recipients are six members of the Australian football community whose lifelong dedication has made a profound and lasting contribution to football and the country at local, state and national levels.
The Hon. Morris Iemma AO – Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
Awarded for distinguished service to the people and Parliament of New South Wales, to the not-for-profit sector, and to community sport. Morris served as a Director of Football NSW and has been a longstanding supporter and advocate for football in Australia.
Sam Ciccarello AM – Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Awarded for significant service to sports administration, and to the community of South Australia. Sam served on the Football Australia Board from 2015 to 2026 and has been a longstanding contributor to football in South Australia.
Keith Pester OAM – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Awarded for service to football and the community. A longstanding football administrator, Keith had devoted decades of service to grassroots and representative football in New South Wales through leadership roles with Manly Warringah Football Association, Manly United FC and Football NSW.
The late Andeljko Cimera OAM – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Awarded for service to football administration. A highly respected football administrator and former President of Melbourne Knights FC, Andjelko Cimera, dedicated decades of service to the game and played an important role in supporting the growth and development of football in Victoria.
The late Ted Smith OAM – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Awarded for service to football. A Football Australia Hall of Fame member, former Socceroo, historian and custodian of the game’s heritage, Ted Smith dedicated decades to preserving and promoting the history of football in Australia. His contribution extended well beyond the field, helping ensure the stories and achievements of generations of football pioneers were recorded and celebrated.
Ted de Lyster OAM – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Awarded for service to people with disability. A former Socceroo (Cap #202), Ted has been a tireless advocate for people with disability and remains a respected figure within the football community.
Quotes attributable to Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac:
“We are delighted to see members of the football community recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List for their outstanding service and contribution to our game and the broader community.
“Sam Ciccarello’s decade of service on the Football Australia Board helped shape and strengthen football across the country, while the late Ted Smith and the late Andjelko Cimera each leave enduring legacies through their lifelong commitment to the game. Ted was one of the great custodians of Australian football history, while Andjelko made a significant contribution to football administration and community football in Victoria.
“On behalf of Football Australia, I congratulate all recipients on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for the lasting impact they have made on football in Australia.”
Quotes attributable to Football Australia CEO, Martin Kugeler:
“Football is built on the dedication of people who contribute their time, expertise and passion to make our game stronger, and these recipients embody that spirit.
“Whether through leadership, administration, advocacy or service to their communities, Morris Iemma, Sam Ciccarello, Keith Pester, the late Andjelko Cimera, the late Ted Smith and Ted de Lyster have each made a significant contribution to Australian football.
“We congratulate them on this distinguished national honour and thank them for their service to our game.”
