Former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic has spoken on his sacking as Matildas coach this morning, telling the press that he still doesn’t know why he was sacked, and believes it was without cause.
Stajcic was controversially dumped by the FFA on January 19 as coach of the Matildas in a World Cup year, with the only reason being given a poor culture within the team.
A clearly emotional Stajcic, who had plenty of success during his time with the national side, said his reputation was in tatters and he had maintained his silence due to legal reasons, with possible proceedings against the FFA to follow.
“It is unfortunate that I could not make any public comment earlier than now, regarding the ongoing speculation and innuendo concerning my removal as the head coach of the Australian women’s football team. I have until now remained silent for important legal reasons,” he said.
“Throughout this difficult time I have tried to remain constructive and consider all of the affected parties. Most importantly, I have also acted in the best interests of my family and innocent people who are suffering personally due to the injustice that has occurred. This has taken a huge personal toll on my family.
“In order to protect my reputation in the face of unwarranted speculation from various sources, I feel that it is necessary that I make this statement in relation to the FFA’s decision to terminate my employment.
“The events of the last few weeks have devastated both me and my family. My career is in tatters and my reputation has been ruined.”
The 45-year-old talked about the changing face of football in Australia and the challenges faced by the Matildas, but said he was never made aware of any issues within the set up until the day before his sacking when he had an approximately 20-minute meeting with FFA CEO David Gallop.
“I wish to make it abundantly clear that during my time as Matildas head coach, over nearly five years, I was not made aware by FFA’s CEO David Gallop of the existence of, or the occurrence of, any serious issues of concern within the Matildas set-up. Up until the day before the FFA terminated my employment, I have only ever received praise from Mr Gallop both publicly and privately,” he said.
“I still do not know the reason why my employment was terminated, aside from Mr Gallop telling me the Matildas had a ‘poor culture’ and I, as head coach, was responsible. No other explanation has been given to me in spite of my repeated requests to the FFA.”
Stajcic said he approved of the original survey which is thought to be a major part of his downfall as Matildas coach, however, he lost faith in it when the ensuing report was made available to him in December.
He also hinted at one of the FFA board members intentionally leaking statements against Stajcic which have damaged his reputation, leading to possible legal action.
“Statements that were leaked by a particular board director, which included that “I would never work in football again,” have caused irreparable damage,” he said.
“I consider these actions of the FFA to be without foundation and unjustifiable – and the alleged actions of the FFA board member have smeared my name, not only as an international coach, but as a father and a person.
“I have taken legal advice about these matters, which includes potential action on defamation and the breach of contractual obligations by the FFA.”
He also said there were no issues raised within the team, citing the words of co-captain Claire Polkinghorne.
“(Maltidas co-captain Clare Polkinghorne) said publicly a few days ago she had not experienced any bullying, fat-shaming, or toxic environment that had been cited as a reason (for his sacking).”
Stajcic has also said during his press conference when answering questions that he would support an independent review into his dismissal from the organisation as coach and the process which was undertaken to reach the decision.
The coach felt he had been ‘left in the dark,’ by the organisation and blindsided by his sacking, meaning this issue looks far from over.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Thanks Stuart :)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/crisis-point-how-stajcic-sacking-left-matildas-in-tatters Here you go.
oldpsyco
Guest
If Zelic cannot substantiate her claims, then her position at SBS is untenable. SBS loses all credability by her presence if she cannot prove to the management that her sources were qualified and believable! Journalists have a priviliged positon, if they abuse it they must be removed!
oldpsyco
Guest
Surely Gallop has to go ! The reason being the "poor culture" within FFA under his watch! What's good for the goose etc.... And no-one would dispute that the culture at FFA is currently toxic!
Stuart Thomas
Expert
I'll send you a link. Just on the road now.
Gordon Smith
Guest
At the very least we should be able to see the questions asked in the questioaire. Any social scientist knows that how you frame the questions often determines the results. Secondly how many responded as those motivated by negative opinions are more likely to respond. Thirdly what percentage of players responded and what was the make up of the general response eg number x players, staff, parents and others. That can be done without breaking any confidentiality and would shed a great deal of light on the validity of using these surveys as a legitimate tool for the decision.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Stuart, where can I find that piece from Lucy Zelic?
coolncold
Roar Rookie
!
reuster75
Roar Rookie
he was vocal early on about the lack of transparency from FFA and challenged the FFA on why we again are heading into a world cup with a new coach and challenged them about what are the parameters for appointing the replacement. Since then there has been nothing to say as we don't know anything and the Save Hakeem campaign is far far more important in the overall scheme of things. Seriously he gets criticized when he says something, then gets criticized if he doesn't say something.
Molly’s Hatchet
Guest
I forgot to mention.. Answering every question was compulsory, and your results were disregarded if you failed to do so. And only 3% of the questionnaires were found to be adequate.
Molly’s Hatchet
Guest
This comment has been removed for breaching The Roar's comments policy.
coolncold
Roar Rookie
This comment has been removed for breaching The Roar's comments policy.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
The Socceroos have a massive budget, they qualified for the world cup partially due to special chartered flights. What they should be thinking is your pushing a load of manure up hill with Ange and Arnold, and those resources would be better with the Matildas. Ange showed he was a fool , after a great Asia cup,where he had a practical team apart from having Bresciano on the bench there he went haywire. In come Degenek,McGown and MClaren. Then Arnold brings them back. How is Stajcic successfull, he has won nothing, the old guy won the Asia cup when Australia had better teams to play and were much worse. The Asia cup performance was poor despite making the final. Kerr is the golden ticket , she plays for rubbish teams. and yet top scores, She is clearly the best ever female player Its time for the FFA to show they have half a brain and appoint a good coach for the Matildas.
Molly’s Hatchet
Guest
This comment has been removed for breaching The Roar's comments policy.
c
Guest
even if they considered re-appointment would he accept the appointment and they would still be up for large settlement cost for damage to reputation and image caused by their actions
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
When David Gallop was CEO of NRL he stated "I am always apprehensive when my phone rings because it is normally bad news". So now he is running FFA. Not exactly smooth sailing there either Dave.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
You need to throw in the distinct possiblity that Heather Reid may have played a role in this. She was nominated to the board by the PFA. Fozzie was nominated by the Women's PFA Council. https://footballtoday.news/features/FFA-board-the-nominees-their-nominators-and-their-seconders So I don't think Fozzie would be feeling all that comfortable with what has transpired or wanting to raise his head.
Brian
Roar Rookie
Everyone is still in the dark including Alen over what the real story. A very bad day for the FFA,again.
Nick Symonds
Guest
BREAKING: HAKEEM AL-ARABI HAS NOW BEEN FREED. LEAVING FOR AUSTRALIA TONIGHT.
con
Guest
Alan stajcic saying in his letter to the public, the FFA compiled a flawed and hopeless report in design and delivery ,wow, how many times have they done that I wounder ,mmmm the consultants they spend and waste so much money on giving them this reports I wounder about the A league extension and all that money wasted , while our junior fees keep going up, too pay for incompetence