Football Federation Australia board member Heather Reid is understood to have temporarily stood down as the fallout from the sacking of Matildas coach Alen Stajcic continues.
The administrator asked to be relieved of her position, citing personal reasons, with an announcement expected as early as Wednesday after the FFA board met on Tuesday night, The Australian reports.
Reid, who was elected to the post just over two months ago, recently denied she led a co-ordinated push to have Australia’s national women’s team boss Stajcic fired, telling the Sydney Morning Herald people “would be shocked” if they “knew the actual facts”.
The FFA has released a statement that contradicts any implication the move is related to Stajcic’s sacking, however.
“The directors of Football Federation Australia (FFA) today granted a request from fellow director, Heather Reid, for approval of an indefinite leave of absence from the Board,” read the statement released on Wednesday.
“The request is to enable Ms Reid to give full focus to her health and well-being following the requirement, after her election to the Board in November, to undergo chemotherapy treatment for a medical condition.
“In the circumstances, Heather has requested that the Members of FFA and the football community understand her decision to step aside and respect her and her family’s privacy at this challenging time.
“Speaking on behalf of FFA, Chairman Chris Nikou extended FFA’s best wishes to Ms Reid “Our thoughts are with Heather and her family and we wish her a full and speedy recovery” he said.
With AAP
© AAP
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