These are the key questions as Alen Stajcic’s sacking continues to be mired in controversy

The fallout from Matildas coach Alen Stajcic’s sacking continues unabated, with FFA still declining to provide details of his removal beyond claims of an “unacceptable culture”. These are the key questions we put to FFA.

Sacked Matildas coach Alen Stajcic.

The fallout from the decision to sack Matildas coach Alen Stajcic continues unabated, with Football Federation Australia still declining to provide details for his removal beyond claims of an “unacceptable culture” in the women’s national team.

For the second time in four and a half years, issues have apparently been allowed to build up under a Matildas coach to the extent they have had to be sacked.

Senior figures in the game continue to ask how Stajcic alone can be held accountable, and who in the senior FFA management has responsibility for overseeing the national coaches.

PRESSER: GALLOP INSISTS STAJCIC HAD TO GO

NOT HAPPY: MATILDAS AT A LOSS OVER SACKING

CULTURE: SACKING REVEALS FFA’S DEEPER ISSUES

The Matildas role covers two areas, women’s football (headed at FFA by Emma Highwood) and the national team’s unit (run by Luke Casserly). Both attend almost all Matildas camps and games.

The Daily Telegraph posed a series of questions to FFA CEO David Gallop.

FFA CEO David Gallop makes a hasty exit after speaking to the media.

Will you release the questions asked in the gender equality survey conducted by advocacy group Our Watch at FFA (used in part to justify Stajcic’s sacking)?

David Gallop: No, we are not in a position to do that. Confidential surveys are an important workplace tool. The information including the questions are confidential so that participants can feel safe to provide their views. Of course, if the group is relatively small even anonymous answers can potentially be identified as from a particular person.

How many players from the Matildas completed it?

Gallop: It’s confidential and we are not in a position to disclose this fact.

When did Alen Stajcic last have a formal performance review? Were the results discussed with him?

Gallop: National teams are reviewed both for on field and for off field matters at the end of every significant assembly. The findings are not made public including the assessment of the coach’s performance. Alen Stajcic was terminated under the provisions that allow for termination with notice or payment in lieu. The other path that is often part of terminations was not used here.

Sacked Matildas coach Alen Stajcic.

Are you concerned that so many of the current Matildas squad have chosen to publicly back Stajcic?

Gallop: We understand that players will have differing views about FFA’s decision. The players have shared successful moments with Alen in recent years. Confidential surveys are inherently different from social media platforms, as are direct conversations undertaken with confidentiality. It is entirely conceivable that a person’s answers will differ depending on the platform or forum.

Who is the FFA’s Safeguarding Officer for the national teams?

Gallop: There is no one person at FFA tasked with acting as a safeguarding officer for the national teams. However, FFA has a full time national team player development manager as well as member protection officers to assist with any issues. FFA also partners with the PFA through the CBA to deliver a player development program for all national team players. In addition the Matildas have a psychologist who works with them.

Luke Casserly greats former Socceroos coach Bert Van Marwijk.

Is the head of national performance responsible for managing the women’s senior head coach? If not, who is?

Gallop: The senior head coaches in a contractual sense report to the CEO but (head of national performance) Luke Casserly deals with them on a day-to-day basis in relation to running the national team department and its staff.

What are the KPIs of the head of national performance?

Gallop: That’s not an appropriate thing to disclose.

Who does the head of national performance report to?

Gallop: The CEO.

What steps will you take to ensure the new head coach will create a culture acceptable to FFA?

Gallop: Part of the criteria will be that the coach can demonstrate a desire and ability to create and lead a positive environment which balances the demands of elite professional football with the welfare of the individuals who are selected in the group from time to time.

Get every match of the 2018/19 Hyundai A-League LIVE. SIGN UP NOW!