Soccer: Alen Stajcic sacking ‘a PR disaster’

One of the most powerful men in soccer has labelled the sacking of Matildas coach Alen Stajcic a public relations disaster.

Paul Lederer believes fans deserve to know why Alen Stajcic was sacked.

One of the most powerful men in Australian soccer has labelled the controversy surrounding the sacking of Matildas coach Alen Stajcic a public relations disaster for Football Federation Australia.

Paul Lederer, chairman and part owner of A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers and chairman of the A-League clubs, said he was disappointed with the way the situation had been handled and didn’t believe it was going to go away any time soon.

“I have been on to this every day,” Lederer said. “It is very disappointing to see how this has been handled. It should have been handled better.

“Certainly the lack of information and all the innuendo and allegations surrounding it is not good for the game or for Alen Stajcic. Unfortunately, I don’t see any end to it in the near future.”

Despite some wonderful results with the Matildas and helping them to become one of the most popular national sporting teams in the country, male or female, Stajcic was sacked by FFA 10 days ago apparently over allegations of a toxic environment in the Matildas camp.

The head body refused to go into specifics regarding their decision, which was based on two surveys and their own inquiry, citing confidentiality and legal issues.

However, the decision had caused consternation and anger among the rank and file.

The Australian has been told a number of key stakeholders were “displeased” with how the situation had been handled and were demanding answers. There had also been calls for an independent inquiry. While Lederer stopped short of joining the calls for that inquiry, it was clear he believes the public deserve some answers.

“The public are entitled to know what is going on and it is as simple as that,” Lederer said. “(FFA chairman) Chris (Nikou) is a brand new chairman, a nice guy, a good guy and very willing.

“But we still don’t know the who, where, what and why of it all and people have a right to know what is going on.

“Not only is this a PR disaster, but a man’s reputation has been tarnished.” Nikou answered questions the day FFA announced Stajcic’s sacking but he was not heard from again until Sunday (eight days later), when he opted to do an interview with Tracey Holmes on ABC radio, rather than face a full-blown media conference.

Meanwhile, Football Coaches Australia is continuing to push for answers from FFA regarding the situation. “We have officially asked and eagerly await some answers on behalf of Alen Stajcic and everyone who supports the Matildas,” FCA chairman Philip Moss said.

“We have had no response to previous inquiries so we will wait and see what happens here.”

FFA said they had been swamped with resumes for the job. It was understood interest had come from both overseas and locally. Sydney FC W-League coach Ante Juric had expressed interest, as had former Socceroo Robbie Hooker.

Hooker had been involved previously with the Socceroos coaching staff and was an assistant under Tommy Sermanni when the Matildas won the Asian Cup in 2010. Juric, whose side played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Melbourne Victory on Sunday, worked as Stajcic’s assistant at the Sky Blues a decade ago. The pair were close and he echoed the thoughts of many in light of the 45-year-old’s shock departure in a World Cup year.

“I’m bewildered why Staj isn’t there. He should be there,” he said. Juric would be near the top of the queue if FFA were looking for a homegrown coach.

His side, packed with Matildas, finished second last year and will again make the finals should they avoid a heavy defeat to Melbourne City next weekend.

FFA have said they are keen to have the nationl position sorted within two weeks.