Calls grow for probe into Stajcic sacking

Several member federations of FFA are unhappy with the governing body’s explanation for the Alen Stajcic sacking.

Chair of FFA Women’s Football Council, Ros Moriarty, has called for an inquiry into the sacking of Alen Stajcic. Picture: Nikki Short

The possibility of an independent inquiry into the sacking of Matildas coach Alen Stajcic could be a step closer, with member federations believed to be unhappy with Football Federation Australia’s response to their questions regarding the circumstances and processes surrounding the decision.

The momentum for an inquiry gathered more pace yesterday with Women’s Council chairwoman Ros Moriarty taking a huge swipe at the FFA board via her LinkedIn account.

“An independent review?” Moriarty wrote. “A month after Matildas coach Alen Stajcic’s sudden contract termination, the FFA Women’s Football Council’s questions remain unanswered around governance, due diligence and due process.

“The FFA Board’s announcement this week, to review the circumstances of Mr Stajcic’s dismissal, will raise more questions from the football community about the independence and rigour of that exercise.

“As the new Council’s Independent Chair, it is clear to me the work of the Council, and indeed the progress of women’s football in Australia, has little chance of traction unless such a review brings the change necessary for good governance, transparency and professionalism.”

In a letter seen by The Australian, FFA wrote back to the federations yesterday seeking to clarify the situation that saw the head body terminate Stajcic’s contract five months out from the women’s World Cup.

Like the majority of the football community, the member federations have been left confused over the sudden decision and sought some answers in a letter sent to FFA on January 31.

While they made no threats, the federations have kept their options open as to their next step should they believe FFA is continuing to stonewall by refusing to provide clear reasons for its actions. A meeting of the federations is expected to be called either today or over the weekend to consider what one insider described as “yet another FFA wet lettuce leaf response” and to decide on the next course of action.

The Australian was told earlier in the week that if the response wasn’t to their liking they would consider calling an extraordinary general meeting, where a resolution would be put demanding an independent inquiry.

Calls for the inquiry have already received support from the likes of former Socceroos Craig Foster and Robbie Slater and the Association of Australian Football Clubs, which represents NPL clubs around the country.

It will be a month tomorrow since FFA rocked the code by dismissing Stajcic over allegations of a toxic culture within the Matildas. Despite constant demands, the head body, which has been under enormous pressure, has refused to go into the fine details, citing legal and confidentiality reasons.

Much of that was reiterated in FFA chairman Chris Nikou’s response yesterday.

“The board’s decision to terminate Alen Stajcic’s contract by making the pre-agreed payment in lieu of notice was one that the Board took very seriously,” Nikou wrote.

“It knew that the decision was likely to provoke debate and that a number of constraints of both a legal and ethical nature meant that FFA would be limited in what it could disclose about the information on which the board acted.

“Notwithstanding, having formed the view that it was in the best interests of the Matildas coaching and playing group to change coaches, the board was duty bound to act as it did.

“While the board made a considered and informed decision, we understand that the constraints upon our ability to detail its decision have given rise to frustrations amongst some members and the broader community.

“However, as you recognise in your letter, the constraints, including potential litigation, that have applied to the board continue to apply.”

Nikou went on to list a 10-point summary, much of which is already in the public domain, in which he said “the board believes it adopted a proper process in connection with this matter”. He suggested the FFA board “may decide to make a further public statement about termination of the services of the Matildas coach, but only if we are confident that doing so will not generate legal claims or otherwise prejudice the interests of FFA”.

An EGM needs just one member federation to call it. Getting a motion for an inquiry passed is another thing as it is understood the member federations are split, with four states — NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia — having joined forces to put pressure on FFA, while the ACT, Northern Territory, Queensland, Northern NSW and Tasmania have opted out.

The congress carries 100 votes with the nine member federations holding 55, the A-League clubs 28, the Women’s Council 10 and Professional Footballers Australia seven. The four member federations would hold around 28 votes between them. The Women’s Council would support the federations, making it 38 in all, 13 short of a majority.

Whether the A-League clubs would vote as a bloc and how they would vote remains to be seen.

While the states are split, The Australian understands it’s not quite a “happy home” either at FFA board level. It is understood there has been some consternation about the role of some board members.