Overview

György Szepesi (5 February 1922 – 25 July 2018) was a prominent Hungarian radio personality, sports journalist and football administrator. Over a career that spanned many decades he became widely known as one of Hungary’s most recognizable sports voices and a respected figure in sports governance. Szepesi combined live match commentary and reporting with roles in national and international sports bodies.

Broadcasting and journalism

Szepesi built his reputation primarily through radio. As a commentator and reporter he covered football and other major sporting events for Hungarian audiences, earning recognition for clear, vivid descriptions and sustained commitment to the craft of sports broadcasting. His voice accompanied generations of listeners during domestic matches, World Cups, Olympic Games and other international fixtures, making him a familiar presence in Hungarian sporting life.

Roles in sports administration

In parallel with his media work, Szepesi held important administrative posts. He was a member of the Hungarian Olympic Committee from 1962 until 2000 and served as chairman of the Hungarian Football Association (Magyar Labdarúgó Szövetség) from 1978 to 1986. At the international level he served on FIFA’s Executive Committee from 1982 to 1994 and later held honorary membership of FIFA’s executive bodies.

Contributions and significance

Szepesi’s career bridged journalism and administration. He played a part in promoting Hungarian football domestically and in representing Hungarian sport abroad. Colleagues and listeners often credited him with raising professional standards in radio sports coverage and with helping to sustain public interest in football across changing political and social eras.

Honors, legacy and notable facts

  • Long service in the Hungarian Olympic Committee and Hungarian Football Association, later holding honorary titles.
  • Recognized as one of Hungary’s leading sports voices whose broadcasts reached multiple generations.
  • Remembered for combining journalistic skill with institutional leadership, contributing to both media and administration.

György Szepesi died in Budapest on 25 July 2018 at the age of 96. He is remembered both for his distinctive contributions to sports broadcasting and for his decades of involvement in football governance.