Workplace issues lead to axing of Matildas coach Alen Stajcic just months out from World Cup

The FFA have cited ‘serious issues from a confidential survey’ as the reason for the shock sacking of Matildas coach Alen Stajcic just five months out from the World Cup in France.

Alen Stajcic has been dumped five months out from the World Cup.

Matildas boss Alen Stajcic has been fired on the eve of the Women’s World Cup in France.

The FFA made the shock announcement on Saturday in Sydney fronted by chief executive David Gallop and chairman Chris Nikou, with Gallop citing ‘serious issues from two confidential surveys’ as the reason for the shock sacking.

“The decision was based on the findings of two confidential surveys … as well as discussions done with players, staff and the coaches as well,” he said.

Alen Stajcic is no longer in charge of the Matildas. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

“The ultimate responsibility for leading the team environment and driving change in culture and environment rests with the head coach. We no longer feel confident that Alen is the right person to lead the team and the staff.

“There’s definitely some serious findings from the surveys and discussions and a view that things have deteriorated in recent times.

“It’s difficult to go into specifics because of the confidentiality arrangement around the nature of the surveys.

Shocked/disappointed to hear Staj won’t be taking us to the World Cup in less than 5 months. We’ve been preparing meticulously under him over the last 4yrs to have the best crack to win in France and under his guidance we have been the most successful team in Matildas history. 🇦🇺

— Kyah Simon (@KyahSimon) January 19, 2019

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— Lisa De Vanna (@lisadevanna11) January 19, 2019

“It’s fair to say that workplace issues around the culture of the set up but it’s difficult to go into specifics.

“We will move as quickly as possible to appoint a coach for the Cup of Nations and the preparation for the World Cup and indeed the World Cup itself in June and July.”

Stajcic was called into a meeting at FFA headquarters on Saturday morning where he was informed of his sacking.

Stajcic confirmed to News Corp Australia early on Saturday morning that he was no longer in charge of the side.

The race is now on to find an interim coach before the inaugural Cup of Nations tournament, which starts at the end of February, and for preparations for the Women’s World Cup in France, which starts in June.

Stajcic has been in charge of the Matildas since 2014 after Hesterine de Reus was sacked following a player revolt.

The 45-year-old has overseen runs to the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, as well as a rise to a fourth in the FIFA rankings.

David Gallop and Chris Nikou announced the shock move on Saturday.

Rumours over Stajcic’s position comes days after Nikou cancelled a scheduled trip to the UAE to watch the Socceroos take on Syria in an Asian Cup clash on Tuesday.

Nikou had been expected to attend the game but cancelled his travel due to commitments in Australia.

The Socceroos face Uzbekistan in a round-of-16 clash in Al Ain on Monday and Nikou and chief executive David Gallop are scheduled to return to the UAE next week.

With Stajcic no longer in the job, it leaves the FFA on the hunt for a new coach to lead the team into the 2019 World Cup in France, starting in June.

Australia begin their campaign against Italy in Valenciennes on June 9 with Brazil and Jamaica the other teams in their group.

Originally published as Workplace issues lead to axing of Matildas coach Alen Stajcic just months out from World Cup