Australian sports journalist John Economos passed away, aged 78, in Sydney.
He worked with The Australian Soccer Weekly, starting his career there in 1980 and contributed with sports article for more than 25 years. It was a magazine which, during its heyday, educated a generation of followers about the game.
Among many of his achievements was a collaboration with the late Johnny Warren, soccer player, coach, administrator, writer and broadcaster.
The two had become friends at Cleveland Boys High in Sydney’s inner west and were virtually inseparable, with Economos following Warren’s career at close quarters.
Another pitstop included Economos interview with the great Pele – the two met four times in total, including once during Pele’s first trip to Sydney in 1972. His meeting with Pele was a fond memory for Economos.
He later was inducted into Football Australia’s Hall of Fame.
Football NSW said they were saddened to hear of Pele’s unfortunate passing.
“Football NSW was deeply saddened to hear the news of the unfortunate passing of Football Australia’s Hall of Fame Inductee and one of the nation’s final leading and veteran journalists, John Economos,” a statement reads.
