Football Australia CEO James Johnson quits with a former Matilda to step up on an interim basis
Football Australia chief executive James Johnson has dropped a bombshell announcement, with the star administrator stepping down after five-and-a-half years in charge.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson has become the third key powerbroker to resign from Football Australia, the move shocking the football community, with a former Matilda to step up until his replacement is found.
Johnson, who has been at the helm for five-and-a-half years, informed the board and staff of his decision to resign on Thursday afternoon.
Johnson will stay on to help with the transition and finish up a number of projects but retired Matilda Heather Garriock has been appointed as the Interim CEO.
It follows the resignation of two key lieutenants in recent months including general manager of media and communications Rebecca Trbojevich and Matildas media manager Ann Odong, who will finish up in June, while they’ve also restructured internally.
Johnson’s time at the sporting organisation has been a busy one.
He played a key role in delivering the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and securing the 2026 Asian Women’s Cup.
His list of accomplishments is long and has the organisation in one of the healthiest financial positions it has ever been in.
Johnson played a role in establishing Football Australia’s 15-year-vision, introduced new football reforms and changes to the Player Transfer System, revamped Australia Cup and the Australian Championship – set to launch later this year.
In August last year he brokered a reported $200 million deal for the broadcast rights of the Matildas and Socceroos with Paramount.
Johnson was incredibly passionate about women’s football and the Matildas have become one of the nations’ most loved sporting teams under his tenure.
While the highlight reel is strong Johnson has also had to guide the organisation through some very rough times, including the Covid-19 pandemic and more recently the off-field drama surrounding Matildas striker Sam Kerr.
Kerr’s behaviour, which saw her front a London court and be found not guilty of a racially aggravated harassment charge, put the Matildas in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Johnson repeatedly dodged questions about Kerr and wasn’t quoted in FA’s statement regarding the striker’s role as captain of the Matildas, drawing criticism from Socceroos legend Robbie Slater.
Then there has been the drawn out nine-month hunt to secure the Matildas a new coach following Tony Gustavsson’s departure after the disastrous Olympic campaign in Paris.
Despite the challenges Johnson said he considered it a privilege to lead Football Australia.
“As someone who is immensely passionate about Australian football, this decision has not come easy, but I believe the time is right to step down,” Johnson said.
“I want to extend my thank you to the Football Australia Board and everyone within the Australian football community for their support during my tenure.
“Football is a local and global sport so no matter where I am, I will always be here to support Football Australia and Australian football.”
Football Australia Chair Anter Isaac thanked Johnson for his leadership.
“James has guided Football Australia through extraordinary challenges and leaves a great legacy. We wish him every success for the future,” he said.
It is understood that Johnson does not have another job lined up. He plans to stay on to help with the transition and then take some time off.
More Coverage
Originally published as Football Australia CEO James Johnson quits with a former Matilda to step up on an interim basis
Kerr welcomes baby boy, reveals name
Matildas superstar Sam Kerr has shared a massive family update on Thursday night, much to the delight of the football world.
Sam Kerr welcomes baby boy
Matildas captain Sam Kerr has announced the birth of her first child with partner Kristie Mewis