Australian football great Les Murray farewelled at state funeral in Sydney

Popular soccer broadcaster Les Murray has been remembered as a family man and devoted partner at a state funeral in Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral.

More than 1000 family, friends and fans gathered for the service on Monday following Murray's death on July 31 at the age of 71.

Among the mourners were NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, governor David Hurley and soccer identities including Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou, Matildas boss Alen Stajcic and FFA supremo Steven Lowy.

After leaving Hungary as a boy for Australia, Murray rose to become the face of Australian soccer as a broadcaster at multicultural network SBS.

SBS sport director Ken Shipp said whenever Australians thought about football, their minds immediately turned to Murray.

"Les is a man that left his mark ... this is no exaggeration: he changed the nation," he said.

Guests were invited to wear white to the service as a symbol of Murray's advocacy to refugees and multiculturalism.

Speaking on behalf of the soccer community, fellow broadcaster Craig Foster said the sport should use Murray's death as an energising moment.

"This final farewell is a call to arms to the football community," he said.

"A moment we must reinforce the dream ... to win the ultimate prize - the FIFA World Cup, male and female."

The Australian and state flags are flying at half-mast across NSW in tribute to the respected broadcaster of 35 years.