David Gallop fronted the media on Monday afternoon but only provided limited details around the sacking of Matildas head coach Alen Stajcic, clearing up very few issues around the ongoing drama.
Just five months out from the start of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the decision sent shockwaves around the football community on Saturday and prompted much confusion.
Gallop told the media that there were a range of reasons Stajcic was sacked, saying it wasn’t purely based on player surveys, which were said to be the reason for the coach’s sacking over the weekend.
However Stajcic did not elaborate in any way on what the ‘range of reasons’ included.
The player surveys reportedly painted the picture of a team culture which needed change.
“It’s a misconception that the sacking of the head coach was based purely on the surveys. There were a range of reasons,” said Gallop.
Some on social media weren’t buying the explanation from Gallop, who also said he has spent the day working with the Matildas.
“I met with the Matildas playing group twice today. It mpressive to see their professionalism in what is a difficult period,” said Gallop.
“These two days were already set down to look at the set-up of the Matildas and preparations for the FIFA World Cup.”
Gallop also reminded players that the information they had given in surveys was to be held confidential.
“There is a curiosity around information. I’ve reminded them of the confidentiality of the survey work that was done.”
When quizzed on whether some of the players wanted Stajcic reinstated, Gallop dead batted the answer, again saying the decision was made based on a range of issues and that the players weren’t purely responsible for the hiring, sacking or reinstatement of a coach.
The FFA Chief Executive Officer said that while no discussions around a new coach for the Matildas was in place yet, the timeframe was tight and they were aiming at two weeks.
“The Matildas were offered input into that (new coach of the team) today,” said Gallop.
“We are looking to have a new arrangement in place in approximately two weeks time.”
Bill
Guest
I'm sure ManU didn't hold a survey of players to see what the 'corporate culture' was under Mourinho. Particulary one run by an anti-violence group. How about the FFA release the survey questions the players were asked. Interesting reading , maybe. I wish people like Gallop would stop thinking that sports people are corporate managers. All these corporate terms that is used just as much as sport terms to describe how sport is manage has become a mill stone around players and coaches neck. Like referees the less you notice the adminstrator the better the sport.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
I'm suggesting that the serious thing he is hiding is that there is nothing serious to hide at all. More and more, it's looking like a bit of opportunism from some quarters on the Board.
Nick Symonds
Guest
The way that Gallop took off at the end of the press conference made him look like he was hiding something serious, not just a bit awkward, he couldn't wait to get out of there. It was a terrible performance in front of the media and he is clearly out of place at FFA. He should of gone at the same time as Lowy but he's still lingering around.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Actually, it would now appear that the worst case scenario is that there is no scandal, or put another way, the only scandal is that action has been taken where there is no scandal.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Gallop also reminded players that the information they had given in surveys was to be held confidential. “There is a curiosity around information. I’ve reminded them of the confidentiality of the survey work that was done.” The confidentiality of a survey is supposed to allow for opinions to be given without fear of retribution. If someone chooses to provide said opinions without anonymity, there's no reason that they should be stopped from doing so (yes, process of elimination could lead to a more narrow range of 'culprits', but when the detail is being kept anonymous, it matters little). Gallop is trying to go from the protector party to the protectee.
Kangas
Roar Rookie
He is the lord of failure and mediocrity
AR
Guest
I just watched that shambolic press conference. This man is being paid a $1M+ CEO’s salary. Wowee. Does he still have staunch defenders...or have they all dropped away by now?
Bangers N Mash
Guest
Perhaps somebody should be asking “My Watch”, what alleged dirt they dug up. But no , these kinds of secretive government organisations are beyond transparency.
Admiral Ackbar
Guest
Give him enough rope and he'll hang himself.
John Allan
Guest
The survey was not conducted by Raelene Castle as she would have found nothing wrong e.g. Izzy & Beale.
Reesy
Roar Rookie
Nothing has changed then. He offered zero answers to everything when he was NRL boss as well.
Nick Symonds
Guest
So, if it wasn't the players survey that was behind the cause for the sacking and there were wider "workplace issues" involved then it might be a support staff matter. Worst case scenario, FFA are covering up a scandal. It all seems very mysterious.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
That's the way to clear up the muddy water - just splash it around a bit more. Maybe I missed this initially, but he did say today that the decision was made by the Board.
Kangas
Roar Rookie
Gallop out
Punter
Roar Rookie
Gallop offers few answers on anything remotely to do with the job that he is suppose to do.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
"We are looking to have a new arrangement in place in approximately two weeks time". We know you can't promise us that David. Please tell us a realistic goal.