The Australian football community today celebrates four distinguished members of the football family who have been recognised in the January 26 Honours List for their contributions to the sport and their communities.
Announced today, Football Tasmania CEO, Tony Pignata, PFA founder and former CEO, Brendan Schwab, former CEO of Soccer Australia, Ian Holmes and former player and football manager, Alen Stajcic were recognised on the January 26 Honours List.
Tony Pignata received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Governor General's Australia Day Honours in recognition of his significant services to football in Australia.
Pignata's contribution to the game spans playing, administration and senior executive leadership, with influence across grassroots, state and national levels of Australian football.
PFA founder and former CEO, Brendan Schwab, was the recipient of the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and recognised for his significant service to professional sport as a lawyer, and as an advocate for athlete's rights.
Schwab who co-founded the PFA in 1993, played a critical role in advancing the rights of Australian footballers through establishing collective bargaining for the Commbank Socceroos, CommBank Matildas, A-League and National Soccer League players.
In addition, Schwab's leadership played an important part in the players shaping key football industry reforms, including the creation of a new governing body (then Football Federation Australia), a new men's professional league (the A-League), engagement with Asia, and football's commitment to universal principles such as gender equality.
Ian Holmes, former CEO of Soccer Australia, received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to football.
Holmes has made significant contributions to football having served at various levels, including as President of the NSW Amateur Soccer Federation and CEO of Soccer Australia.His work was instrumental at national and state levels and his leadership and administration pivotal in shaping the sport's growth and development in Australia.
Homles was inducted into the Football Australia's Hall of Fame in 2024.
Former player and football manager, Alen Stajcic was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to football as a coach.
Stajcic was the Head Coach of the CommBank Matildas from 2014-2019 and has played a significant role in the development of women's football having held multiple roles within the Australian women's national teams, the A-League and the Philippine Football Federation.
The January 26 Honours List recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service and commitment within their field and community.
The full citation and Australia Day Honours list here: www.gg.gov.au
