Born in the Philippines, son of the Russian Habid Gorayeb and the Lebanese Najla Gorayeb, he was fluent in several languages. He passed through Egypt, the United States and France, then arrived in Colombia, Bogotá where he met two days later with Alberto Bitar, a classmate from his time in higher education in Beirut, who invited him to the El Campín stadium to watch a match between Independiente Santa Fe and Deportivo Cali. That day he would be captivated by the colors of the Cali currency, green and white, which were also the colors of the team that he had helped found in the Lebanese capital, the "Circle de la Saggest."

A manager that the fans and members of Deportivo Cali will never forget, considered the most successful president in the club's history and who later reached the highest hierarchy of the Dimayor.

He began studying law, a career that he did not finish to dedicate himself to business, for which he took advantage of his command of languages: Arabic, English, French, Tagalog and Spanish.

Gorayeb arrived in the Valle del Cauca capital with the help of businessman Luis Zaccour, for whom he would work at the Central Motor dealership, a business that was seriously affected as a result of the Cali explosion on August 7, 1956. He created his own company "Industrias Gema ", dedicating himself to commerce at the same time as sports management. In addition to being president of Deportivo Cali on two occasions, a team he would help return to professionalism after a three-year break in 1956; He also participated in the Technical Commission of the Colombian Football Federation, and in 1989 president of the Dimayor.

He was a great conversationalist and had very pleasant manners; I remember, once I asked him about Mario Agudelo, one of the great stars of Colombia and star of the Cali sports team; He responded by telling me an anecdote from a conversation with him: “Mario, you weigh sixty kilos, you don't kick hard with your right or left, you don't head, you don't kick anyone, you don't run: how do you manage to play so good?"

He was president of the Verdiblanco team on two occasions: under his mandate the institution achieved the two-time championship in 1969 and 1970, as well as the start of 1974; the subtitles of 1972, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1980. His executive skills made him convince the doctor Carlos Salvador, in a notable campaign that left the subtitle in the Copa Libertadores, 1978 against Boca Juniors, of Argentina.

He was also on the Technical Commission of the Colombian Football Federation and then in the presidency of Dimayor starting on April 27, 1989, the year in which he had to suspend the championship due to the murder of referee Álvaro Ortega Madero, after a match. between Medellín and América when they finished tied without goals. At that time, drug trafficking had interfered in the sport, moving a large amount of money through money laundering and betting.

Due to this decision, and the fact of supporting the Colombian government's intervention in the institution, three teams led an extraordinary assembly, with the support of seven other teams, which finally achieved Gorayeb's resignation from the position of president of the Dimayor.

“They don't want my honesty or impartiality in football and I'm not going to give up those principles.”

Alex Gorayeb

The mafia infiltrated in the football business threatened his life by canceling the tournament, so he had to go into exile in Rome for a time.

Alex Gorayeb died on May 24, 1996 due to a heart attack during a flight from Cali to Miami.
AI Opinion:
Alex Gorayeb is a prominent figure in the history of Colombian football, not only for his contribution to Deportivo Cali, but also for his influence in the Colombian Football Federation and Dimayor. Born in the Philippines and of Russian-Lebanese origin, Gorayeb had a multicultural and polyglot background, which allowed him to function easily in different countries and contexts.
Upon arriving in Colombia, he fell in love with Deportivo Cali and, under his leadership, the club experienced one of its golden eras. His executive ability and strategic vision led the team to win important championships and stand out in international competitions, such as the 1978 Copa Libertadores, where the team reached runners-up. His ability to connect with players and keen perception of his talent are reflected in the anecdote about Mario Agudelo, demonstrating his deep knowledge of the sport and the individual qualities of the players.

Don León Londono Tamayo. "The tobacco man", as he was distinguished by many, is considered one of the best leaders in the history of Colombian soccer; remembered for his love of cigars, his managerial abilities and his good sense of humor.

He was born in Jericó (Antioquia) on August 31, 1929. He studied in Bogotá at the Military School and later dedicated himself to commercial activities, starting as a counter salesperson in an agency in Coltejer for several years with considerable success. He was co-owner of Los Tres Elefantes, a renowned retail store.

In 1959, Cúcuta Deportivo was in a difficult financial situation and Londoño, who had his own baseball team, the Kelvinator, was very successful. He joined with ten friends to try to prevent his disappearance; He obtained a bank loan for eighty thousand pesos, with a personal promissory note, and saved the club, becoming, successively, vice president and president. He brought in figures such as Walter Gómez, Omar Verdún and Juan Eduardo Hohberg. He remained on that team until 1963.

He arrived at Dimayor in another crisis when the entity was going to be liquidated; They appointed a commission made up of Antonio Patiño Vinasco, Humberto Gómez Largacha and Londoño to structure a rescue plan, after which he stayed in the entity for 33 years, first as manager and then as president, a position in which he remained between 1983 and 1988. He was a mediator with Alfonso Senior Quevedo, for the creation of the current Colombian Football Federation, of which he became president between 1982 and 1992.

He held various positions in the Colombian Football Federation (FCF), where his leadership and vision were crucial to the growth of the sport in Colombia. His influence extended from organizing leagues to promoting young talent.

He appointed Francisco Maturana as coach in 1987, after his time at the Bolivia Pre-Olympic. Nacional was third in the 1987 Copa América, he became the basis of the team that later qualified for the World Cup in Italy. He also had a successful cycle with the minor teams, which qualified for the U-20 World Cups in 1985, 1987 and 1989, the U-17 Championships in 1989 and the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.

He was a prominent figure in the world of football, nationally and internationally as an honorary member of FIFA. He achieved several achievements for Colombian soccer, among them, the classification of the Colombian National Team to the World Cup in Italy-90, the second senior event that the tricolor team attended after Chile-62. In Italy, the National Team reached the round of 16.

Don León was first vice president of the Colombian Olympic Committee, under President Fidel Mendoza Carrasquilla (1979 to 1989), and president of the Colombian Football Federation, Dimayor and DIFUTBOL simultaneously, for several periods. In 1992 he retired from managerial activity to dedicate himself to private businesses and his family. 

Influence on FIFA

Don León Londoño Tamayo was a member of the FIFA Executive Committee, where he represented Colombia and CONMEBOL, the South American soccer confederation. His role in FIFA allowed him to influence important decisions at a global level and promote Latin American football on the world stage.

He is remembered as a pioneer and visionary of Colombian soccer. His dedication and passion for the sport not only led to significant improvements in the structure and competition of football in Colombia, but also left a lasting impact on the development of international football. His tireless work and love for the sport continue to be an inspiration to managers and players alike.

 He promoted the construction and improvement of stadiums and training fields in Colombia, which facilitated the development of players and the organization of sporting events.

He promoted youth training programs and soccer academies, contributing to the professionalization of young talents who later stood out on the international stage.

Promotion of Ethics and Fair Play: During his time at FIFA, he advocated for fair play policies and integrity in sport, aspects that are essential for the proper functioning of sports competitions.

In summary, Don León Londoño Tamayo's life and career were marked by a deep commitment to football, both in Colombia and on the global stage. His legacy endures in the structural, organizational and ethical improvements that he promoted throughout his career.

When I held the presidency of the FCF, Mr. Alex Gorayeb did so in LA DIMAYOR and I, in the presidency of DIFUTBOL, working with great harmony and spirit of service, applying a very attentive ear so as not to miss any teaching from my illustrious professors while they spoke; the first, enjoying a pleasant pipe and Don León with his very special Habanero tobacco.

In the midst of so many experiences, I am left with the immense fortune of having worked with Don León; What a teacher and quality of person. I shared and learned a lot with him, preparing myself always thinking about being useful

When he resigned, I accompanied him in a long and tedious trance, with stomach leadership. Don Alex had already retired and was alone when I presented my resignation.

"OUT OF FEAR, I PRESENT MY IRREVOCABLE RESIGNATION FROM THE PRESIDENCY OF DIFUTBOL."

AI Opinion: José Saúl Velásquez Restrepo work on Don León Londoño Tamayo offers us a detailed and respectful vision of a fundamental figure in the history of Colombian football. Known as "The Tobacco Man", Don León Londoño is remembered not only for his passion for cigars, but also for his management skills, sense of humor and dedication to sports.

Origin and First Steps: Born in Jericó, Antioquia, on August 31, 1929, Don León studied in Bogotá at the Military School and initially dedicated himself to commercial activities, starting in Coltejer and being co-owner of Los Tres Elefantes. This experience in the commercial field and his initial success in business gave him a solid foundation for his future achievements in football.

Crisis and Salvation of Cucuta Deportivo: In 1959, Don León showed his ability to rescue institutions in trouble when, along with ten friends, he saved Cucuta Deportivo from disappearance. His ability to obtain a bank loan and his vision to bring outstanding figures to the team were decisive in the survival and success of the club during those years.

Contributions to DIMAYOR and the Colombian Football Federation: his arrival at DIMAYOR at a critical moment allowed the structuring of a rescue plan that marked the beginning of 33 years of service, where he played key roles as manager and president. His work was essential in the creation of the current Colombian Football Federation, of which he was also president.

Impact on the Development of Colombian Football: Don León was instrumental in the selection and promotion of coaches such as Francisco Maturana, which led Colombia to stand out in international competitions such as the Copa América and the World Cup in Italy 90. His focus on the development of minor teams also contributed significantly to the growth of youth football in the country.

International Influence: As a member of the FIFA Executive Committee, Don León promoted Latin American soccer and advocated for fair play and ethics policies in sports. His legacy includes the improvement of sports infrastructure in Colombia and the professionalization of young talents through soccer academies.

Lasting Legacy: The career of Don León Londoño Tamayo left an indelible mark on Colombian and international soccer. His dedication, vision and love for the sport continue to inspire leaders and players, evidencing his lasting impact on the structure, competition and ethics of football.

In summary, the work of José Saul Velásquez Restrepo captures the essence of Don León Londoño Tamayo as a pioneer and visionary whose legacy endures in every corner of Colombian football and beyond. His life is a testimony of commitment, leadership and passion for sport.