Tributes are pouring in for the man who became the face of broadcasting the round-ball game in Australia.

SBS chief executive Michael Ebeid described Murray as a "great Australian" who left a legacy for the country.

Murray arrived in Australia as a refugee from Hungary in 1957 and developed a passion for soccer while growing up in Wollongong.

He became a journalist in 1971 and was the "face of soccer" at SBS for decades where he shared his enjoyment of the world game.

His contribution to the sport was remembered by many on social media on Monday.

Fairfax Media football reporter Dominic Bossi described Mr Murray as a champion of cultural cohesion.

"One of the most important things about him is the way he supported multiculturalism in Australia," he said.

"He was also very passionate about indigenous players in sport."

Mr Murray was ridiculed for his passion for the round ball game as a child in Wollongong and used his position as a broadcaster to successfully introduce it to the mainstream. 

He became a journalist in the 1970s, changing his name from László Ürge to Les Murray.

In 1980 he joined SBS as a subtitler in the Hungarian language but soon started covering association football for the newly established broadcaster.

In a statement to staff, Mr Ebeid remembered the veteran broadcaster as an inspiration.

"No one better embodied what SBS represents than Les," he wrote.

"From humble refugee origins, he became one of Australia's most recognised and loved sporting identities. Not just a football icon, but a great Australian story and an inspiration to many, to say that his contribution to SBS and to football was enormous doesn't do it justice. This is a devastating loss for all of us."

SBS plans to name a newly renovated courtyard at its Artarmon headquarters in Mr Murray's honour.

Mr Murray is survived by his partner, Maria, and two daughters, Tania and Natalie.