Erwin Sandor-Kariko was born in Komarow, Hungary on April 26, 1936. He started his soccer career with Dunántúli Atlétikai Club in Györ. He moved to ETO Györ and represented the Hungarian national youth soccer team.

Erwin emigrated to Canada after the 1956 Hungarian revolution. He settled in Toronto and joined Toronto Hungaria.

In August 1958 he joined Mexican club Oro. After a short spell with the Guadalajara-based club he returned to Canada. He spent the 1960 season with the Hamilton Hungarian Club in the Ontario-based International League.

In 1960 Erwin joined Standard Liege in Belgium. The club was coached by Hungarian Geza Kalocsai and the squad included Hungarian star István Sztani. Erwin was a reserve player during his time with Standard Liege.

In the 1963-64 season Erwin played for Cantonal Neuchatel in the Swiss Nationalliga. He played in five matches and scored one goal as the club finished in last place in the final league standings.

From 1964 to 1966 Erwin played for Spora Luxemburg. The club won the Coupe du Luxembourg in the 1964-65 and 1965-66 seasons. He represented Spora in the European Cup Winners Cup against 1. FC Magdeburg in October 1965.

Erwin continued to live in Luxemburg after his playing career ended.