Soccer: Matildas try to move on as pressure mounts

The Matildas have attempted to put the dramas surrounding the controversial sacking of coach Alen Stajcic behind them.

Matildas players Sam Kerr and Mackenzie Arnold at the leadership workshop.

The Matildas have attempted to put the dramas surrounding the controversial sacking of coach Alen Stajcic behind them, declaring they remain fully focused on winning the World Cup.

Gagged from speaking individually to the media, the players spoke out for the first time yesterday as a group, issuing a statement via Professional Footballers Australia after completing a two-day leadership workshop in Sydney.

The statement read: “We would like to thank Staj for his dedication to the Matildas and more broadly for being a strong advocate for women’s football in Australia.

“As a playing group we are committed to continuing to build on the success we have achieved under his guidance. It’s important for us now to stay focused on our common goal, which remains winning the World Cup 2019.

“Our belief within this group is unbreakable and we will continue to challenge ourselves and each other along this journey.”

Almost half the Matildas have shown their unwavering support for Stajcic through social media posts, a number saying they are devastated by what has happened.

As the fallout from the damaging situation continued yesterday, pressure mounted on senior management figures at Football Federation Australia to answer questions surrounding the departure of Stajcic, who was dumped on Saturday following an alleged damning report on the culture within the Matildas.

While FFA, who have been roundly accused of handling the situation poorly, refuses to divulge any specific incidents, there have been suggestions of bullying, homophobic comments, mental disintegration and body shaming.

However, there is no suggestion whatsoever of sexual misconduct or physical violence.

A media report also emerged via the Twitter handle @FTdotnews that raised some serious concerns as the scrutiny on all parties intensified.

The report, written by Bonita Mersiades, former FFA head of corporate affairs, claims that “FFA briefed some media and others about the news ahead of the announcement on Saturday”.

Mersiades went on to write: “What is more unusual is that FFA’s communications strategy apparently includes the deputy chairman, Heather Reid, actively messaging members of the football community since the decision was announced.

“We are aware of at least six people whom Reid has contacted in this regard; we have seen the messages.

“To summarise, they say that, if everyone knew what really went on, they would be shocked; that Alen Stajcic will never work in women’s football again … that there will be more departures from FFA and/or the national team.”

Reid said she would not comment when contacted by The Australian and referred us back to a contact at FFA, who also said they were not able to comment.

The ABC website also carried an inside story which says that “one of the two key reports that contributed to the sacking of Stajcic reveals a culture of fear and unacceptable levels of stress among the players”.

Journalist Tracey Holmes said that “a quarter of the players who responded reported feeling psychological distress and many were afraid to seek support, believing it would be held against them”.

“Players were asked a series of questions under specific headings including Health & Wellbeing, Psychological Distress, Psychological Safety and Player Insights.

“Fewer than 20 per cent of them said they felt the team environment was conducive to making them better players or people.”

Meanwhile, as much as chief executive David Gallop has been the head body’s public face during the drama, which has now extended into a fifth day, the focus has shifted to others in senior management.

Emma Highwood, the head of women’s football, and Luke Casserly, who, as head of national teams reports to Highwood, have come under the microscope in terms of what they knew and when they became aware of problems in the Matildas camp.

The Australian emailed Highwood several questions, including “When did you first become aware of problems with the culture at the Matildas?” but received no reply.