Î÷¹ÏÓ°ÊÓ is saddened to learn of the passing of Vito Cilauro, a Î÷¹ÏÓ°ÊÓ Hall of Fame inductee, long-serving football administrator, and passionate advocate for the game’s growth, aged 95.
Born in Sicily, Italy, in 1930, Vito migrated to Melbourne at the age of 21, where he made Collingwood his home and began a lifelong contribution to the sport. Although he never played the game competitively, his passion for football was profound and unwavering.
Vito began his journey in football as a club delegate with Juventus in the 1960s before becoming involved in administration. He commenced his service to the Victorian Soccer Federation (now Football Victoria) on the State League Management Committee, eventually rising to serve as Chairman from 1976 to 1988 in a period of significant growth and change for the game in the state.
He 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 Î÷¹ÏÓ°ÊÓ), where he became Deputy Chairman and toured overseas with Australian national teams.
His tireless 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 Î÷¹ÏÓ°ÊÓ Hall of Fame in 2003.
Vito was also 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 opportunity, visibility, and investment. He accompanied the Australian Women’s National Team on early international tours and was a vocal champion of the team’s potential. In his later years, he took immense pride in witnessing the rise of the CommBank Matildas, knowing he had played a part in their journey.
Î÷¹ÏÓ°ÊÓ extends its deepest condolences to Vito’s family, friends, and the many who were touched through his contribution to Football in Australia.
