‘Broken’ Alen Stajcic still in the dark over Matildas sacking

Ex-Matildas coach Alen Stajcic has spoken for the first time since his sacking, yet to be given a reason for his dismissal.

Former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic during a press conference today. Picture: Brett Costello

Former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic has spoken for the first time since his sacking last month, claiming he still hasn’t been told why he was removed from his position.

Reading from a statement obtained by The Australian today, Stajcic said he is considering taking legal “action on defamation and the breach of contractual obligations by Football Federation Australia”.

“I still do not know the reason why my employment was terminated, aside from Mr Gallop (FFA CEO David Gallop) telling me that the Matildas had a ‘poor culture’ and I, as Head Coach, was responsible,” Stajcic said.

“No other explanation has been given to me in spite of my repeated requests for the FFA to provide me with reasons why it had decided, by 19 January 2019, to take the extreme decision to terminate my employment contract.

“At no time … has the FFA afforded me any opportunity, courtesy or fairness in allowing me to respond to any of the findings which it considered in deciding to terminate my employment. Leaving aside the understandable supposition and conjecture in the media and on social media, I remain ‘in the dark’ about exactly how the FFA arrived at the decision to terminate my employment.”

Alen Stajcic on his sacking: The events of the last few weeks have devastated me and my family. My career’s in tatters, and my reputation has been ruined. I consider these actions of the FFA to be without foundation and unjustifiable.

MORE: https://t.co/ykweMevBOK #newsday pic.twitter.com/M6kt7ztxSj

— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) February 11, 2019

Stajcic, flanked by Football Coaching Australia president Phil Moss, said he spoke today to “clear my name and restore my reputation”, which he said has been “damaged”.

“Both my kids have had to go to school, read the speculation, the firestorm thats erupted due to the lack of transparency,” Stajcic said.

“That’s just added to the speculation that’s been around. As a father and a person engaged in my community, that’s been hardest to take.

“In 20 years of coaching, I’ve never had an issue around the culture of any team I’ve coached, let alone the Matildas.

“In five years I’ve never had a conversation with the CEO or board about the culture of my team.”

Despite the circumstances surrounding his dismissal, Stajcic added he wasn’t taking a shot at his former employer.

“I’m not speaking out against FFA at all. I’m just giving my point of view and restoring my reputation,” he said.

He also added to the calls for a “full and independent” inquiry into his dismissal, which occurred just months out from the World Cup.

Stajcic was visibly emotional when talking about his former side, which he described as a “family”.

“During my tenure we instilled belief, camaraderie and a desire for every person to push themselves even further in the pursuit of excellence," he said.

While the decision “broke” his heart, Stajcic wished the Matildas well, and concluded by expressing his desire that the matter can be resolved soon, “in the best interests of the Matildas, my family, and the broader football community.”