Matildas ‘omerta’ bid over toxic leak

Former NSW premier Morris Iemma has called for police to investigate any potential criminal allegations arising from claims of a toxic culture within the Matildas and football in Australia.

Former NSW premier Morris Iemma. Picture: John Feder

Former NSW premier Morris Iemma has called for police to investigate any potential criminal allegations arising from claims of a toxic culture within the Matildas and football in Australia.

His call comes as the Matildas “omerta” allegedly pressured former teammates of whistleblower Lisa De Vanna to remain silent and discredit the 150-game veteran’s revelations of bullying, sexual harassment and indecent ­assault.

De Vanna broke the Matil­da’s longstanding code of silence with her revelations and forced Football Australia to announce an independent investigation by the Sports Integrity Australia.

News Corp Australia can reveal several of De Vanna’s teammates have received phone calls asking them to discredit the 36-year-old’s disturbing revelations of sexual harassment and bullying by teammates.

One player speaking on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retribution said some players were worried about their jobs, and others were worried about the game’s reputation.

When News Corp contacted De Vanna about the call for ­silence, she said she had received only positive support from former teammates.

Mr Iemma, who also sits on the board of Football NSW, said: “I have read the material that is in the public domain via media reports and having read those … I find them extremely disturbing.

“The allegations are extremely disturbing and of the most serious nature.

“What has been put into the public domain by a great of Australian women’s football, Lisa De Vanna, and others warrants the most serious, detailed and thorough investigation.

“It is right and proper that the governing body of the sport investigates these issues relating to integrity, behaviour and conduct and passes it on to relevant independent people to be investigated … The allegations also include possibly criminality and these are matters that warrant a proper referral to the police.”

Mr Iemma said it was suggested that a player brought these matters to the attention of authorities and they were not taken seriously. “Failing to act or turning a blind eye to the potential criminal allegations in itself warrants an investigation,” he said.

Football Australia said it welcomed the development of an independent complaint manage­ment process to enable current and former footballers and staff to bring forward concerns regarding alleged abuse, harassment or bullying in relation to Football Australia’s national teams and the A-Leagues.

Under the agreement, Sport Integrity Australia will receive, assess and manage all complaints, ensuring all concerns are heard and assessed independent of Football Australia.

The National Sports Tribunal will have jurisdiction to hear any disputes that fall within the scope of the complaints process through mediation, conciliation, or arbitration.

Football Australia initiated discussions with SIA with a view to establishing an independent mechanism to supplement the governing body’s complaint-handling process under its Member Protection Framework.

The Professional Footballers Association is encouraging players to log formal complaints after De Vanna’s allegations.

The PFA has a dedicated, confidential counselling service available to players: if they require support, contact pfa.net.au

NCA NEWSWIRE