A state funeral will be held for SBS football legend Les Murray, the NSW government has announced.

Murray, dubbed 'Mr Football', died after a long period of illness on Monday.

"Les Murray’s family have accepted the NSW Government's offer of a State Funeral, a fitting tribute for a wonderful Australian," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

“Thanks in large part to Les’s tireless and passionate advocacy, football is now one of the most popular sports in the country and part of our mainstream sporting consciousness.”

SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid said it was fitting that Murray's life and legacy be marked in a state funeral.

"Recognising his incredible contributions to the game and country that he loved," Mr Ebeid said.

"We’ve seen an incredible outpouring of grief from the football world and beyond since Monday, with tributes flooding in for the man who will be remembered as a much loved sporting personality, broadcasting icon, partner, father, grandfather, colleague and mentor - and above all, an inspiring Australian story."

There had been calls for a state funeral from Murray’s former colleagues and the federal Labor party.

Labor Leader Bill Shorten thanked the NSW Premier for the decision.

A moment's silence to honour Murray is being held before kick-off at all four FFA Cup Round of 32 matches on Tuesday night.

Players will also wear black armbands to pay their respects for Murray.

Murray began his career at SBS in 1980 as a Hungarian subtitle writer.

But his passion for football rapidly brought him into the sports team. By 1986, he was hosting the network's World Cup coverage.

As an SBS football commentator and presenter, he covered eight World Cups, before retiring in 2014. That same year he was also inducted into the FFA Football Hall of Fame.

Tributes have flown from all circles, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Mr Shorten, the football community and fans sharing their accolades of the lauded sports commentator.

0:00 Michael Tomalaris and Craig Foster pay tribute to Les Murray and discuss his legacy. 00:00 / 00:00 Share Share on Twitter

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SBS colleague and close friend Craig Foster on Tuesday joined the calls for a state funeral.

Les Murray AM deserves State funeral for unparalleled contribution to Aust life. Please join me in calling on Govt to farewell the great man — Craig Foster (@Craig_Foster) August 1, 2017

Football club Southern Expansion also threw their support behind the calls, saying a state funeral would be a worthy recognition for one of "Australia's most loved and respected public figures".

0:00 Prime Minister Turnbull pays tribute to Les Murray 00:00 / 00:00 Share Share on Twitter

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