The Australian football community is deeply saddened by the passing of John Marshall SC, a long-serving and highly respected figure in football’s legal and disciplinary landscape.
A distinguished barrister, John was widely regarded for his tireless but fair advocacy.
John made an enduring contribution as the inaugural Chair of Î÷¹ÏÓ°ÊÓ’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee (D&EC) – formally known as the Disciplinary Committee. He was appointed to this position in 2008 when the Committee was established, following a period sitting as a disciplinary arbitrator from the inception of the A-League in 2005. The D&EC is responsible for addressing a broad range of disciplinary matters, from Red Card sanctions to more serious cases of misconduct.
For over a decade John presided over the D&EC with professionalism and sound judgement, ensuring the highest standards of integrity were upheld in the game. He also served as Chair of the Anti-Doping Tribunal for twelve years, bringing the same considered leadership to that role.
John’s involvement in football was never about rewards — his role as Chair was entirely voluntary – even when coaching his daughter’s football team or as a foundation member of the NSW Bar Football Club in 2008, where he played a pivotal defensive role for many years.
In recognition of his contribution to sport and law, John was awarded the Denis Callinan Award by the Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Association (ANZSLA) in 2017, acknowledging his commendable community service in the field of sports law. Consistent with his love for and commitment to football, he used the prize money to buy training equipment for junior players at his local football Club, Maroubra United FC.
John concluded his formal service to Î÷¹ÏÓ°ÊÓ following the conclusion of the 2018/19 A-League season, at a similar time to leaving the legal profession. His final public appearance on a tribunal panel came in March 2019.
Î÷¹ÏÓ°ÊÓ extends its deepest condolences to John’s family, friends, and colleagues.
