SBS plans to continue working with Craig in the future on the network’s marquee football events.
Craig will broadcast FIFA’s decision for hosting rights to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ on Friday morning at 8am on SBS, alongside Lucy Zelić, as a fitting farewell to an 18-year career.
Craig Foster said: “My deepest gratitude to SBS Chairpersons, Directors, management, colleagues and our loyal viewers across football and news for an incredible journey. SBS provided not just an opportunity, but a mission back in 2002 and I instantly knew that we were aligned in our values, love of football and vision for the game.
But the organisational spirit of inclusion, acceptance of diversity and promotion of Australia’s multicultural heart struck me most deeply.
We brought this to life through football, but the mission was always to create a better Australia and world.
My own challenges lie in this field and I will miss the people, above all, though I will never be too far away.
I will always be deeply proud of having called SBS home for so long and look forward to walking down memory lane and thanking everyone personally over the next month.”
SBS Managing Director, James Taylor, said: “Craig is one of the finest football analysts and commentators, and has made a significant contribution to SBS over almost two decades.
He embodies the personal and professional qualities that SBS espouses and we will watch with interest as he continues to break new ground, both as a former professional athlete and a strong advocate for social inclusion.
While he will be missed as a regular in the studio, and by all that have worked with him, we look forward to working with Craig down the track.”
SBS Director of Sport, Ken Shipp, said: “Craig has lived the values of our Charter in promoting multiculturalism, inclusion and social harmony and his list of achievements is vast.
From his famous, passionate commentary on the Socceroos’ 2005 World Cup Qualifier, developing a primary school football game for Harmony Day, winning three Logies as part of our amazing SBS World Game team, to championing the game of football in a way of which few are capable, Craig walked in the shoes of former great football advocates, Johnny Warren and Les Murray, and carried a proud legacy for two decades.
I will enjoy watching him continue to rise. The door remains always open to work together again and I know there is nothing that he cannot achieve. Craig will always be part of the SBS family.”
SBS Sport presenter, Lucy Zelić, said: “There will never, ever be another Craig Foster and SBS, together with the Australian football community, have been immeasurably fortunate to have a man of his talents, credibility and professionalism dedicated to the cause.
I always knew the day would come when Craig would be called upon for a greater purpose and I have no doubt in my mind that my beloved friend will continue to shine and inspire us all on his journey. He will always have a seat beside me at SBS, ready and waiting.”
SBS is committed to bringing Australians coverage of some of the best international sporting events, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ and the Tour de France and the French Open.
SBS remains the exclusive rights holder of the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ as well as the non-exclusive rights holder of a number of various other football events.
