FFA boss David Gallop fully committed to job despite scrutiny

FFA CEO David Gallop has acknowledged his position is under scrutiny but says he is fully committed to the job.

FFA chief executive David Gallop at Suncorp Stadium yesterday. Picture: AAP

Embattled Football Federation Australia chief executive David Gallop has acknowledged his position is under scrutiny but says he is fully committed to the job.

Gallop also ruled out the possibility of a review into the sacking of Matildas coach Alen Stajcic, despite calls for an independent inquiry to be held into what many believe is the head body’s mishandling of the situation.

Fronting the media in Brisbane yesterday during Ante Milicic’s first public appearance as Stajcic’s replacement, Gallop continued to defend FFA’s decision.

However, he yet again failed to provide any specific reasons for the dismissal, citing a desire “not to betray the trust of those who provided information for the process”.

The head body has come under pressure to explain the controversial decision that has left a majority of the Matildas bewildered, caused consternation among fans and the media, attracted the attention of politicians and left the sport with a black eye.

Gallop was part of the management team that saw the FFA board accept a recommendation that Stajcic be sacked just six months out from the World Cup in France, for allegedly being responsible for “a toxic environment” within the camp based on two anonymous surveys of the players and staff. It is understood that some members of the board are unhappy with the way the matter has been handled and the subsequent firestorm of controversy, leading to reports the positions of Gallop, head of women’s football Emma Highwood and head of national teams program Luke Casserly, will be reviewed.

Gallop was handed a new two-year contract last year but has come under increasing pressure over the past four weeks.

“I’m fully committed to the role. Week in and week out you are in a position where what you do is reviewed,” Gallop said when asked if he was worried about his position. “It’s a position under scrutiny and we are all used to that, Luke (Casserly) included.

“I think the important thing now is to get on with the Cup of Nations tournament and see the team is in the best shape possible.

“You don’t take decisions to change coaches unless you’ve got good reasons and hard decisions are difficult. This was particularly difficult and I acknowledge that.

“I am surprised anyone would think a change of coach at this stage would be taken without good cause.

“While we accept that the termination of the previous coach has been frustrating and painful for many people there were, and remain, clear legal and ethical reasons for our approach.”

Gallop said there would be “no review of the decision”.

“The board said they have made a decision, but as part of our overall look at diversity, and inclusiveness, we will look at our practices across the whole of FFA.”