Rebuilding reputation
Ousted Matildas coach out for redemption
ALEN Stajcic has called for an independent inquiry into his controversial dismissal as Matildas coach in a bid to restore his reputation, which has been left in tatters.
After issuing a 1673-word statement early yesterday, an emotional Stajcic held a 40minute press conference in Sydney.
He was almost in tears when talking about the pain the saga has inflicted on his family since his axing three weeks ago over alleged workplace and culture issues.
“By coming here today and presenting my facts and chain of events that have led to my termination, I’m hoping it will (restore my reputation),” Stajcic said.
“Because the speculation and innuendo that I’ve heard — that ‘ he must’ve done something’ — is the part that’s really ruined my reputation.”
The incendiary rebuttal of his departure set the stage for an FFA board meeting last night, when all facets of the Stajcic saga would come under light.
Stajcic confirmed he has taken legal advice on “potential defamation and the breach of contractual obligations by the FFA”.
Asked whether he would seek re-employment, Stajcic said: “I’m here today to clear my name and restore my reputation. It’s not a question for today.”
However, he later admit- ted to considering if he would remain in coaching in Australia or abroad, where he had received offers last year to take charge of another country.
Stajcic was reluctant to support claims of an agenda from the FFA board to push him out, or whether CEO David Gallop should face pressure over the decision.
But he was firm on his desire for clarity and transparency and said there had been a “lack of due process”.
“They’re all the issues that that keep rearing their head up in this instance and that’s probably what is so much attention on the story at the moment,” he said.
Stajcic earlier labelled his firing as an “injustice”.
“During my time as Matildas head coach (I) never witnessed, never participated in, and never acquiesced to the participation of others in any impropriety or misconduct relating to players or the Matildas set-up,” he said.
Stajcic had his employment terminated on January 19 by the FFA board due to the alleged development of a “toxic” culture under his leadership.
They formed that view after Matildas players and staff completed anonymous surveys which reportedly suggested an unhealthy environment.
Senior Matildas — including captains Clare Polkinghorne, Lisa De Vanna and superstar Sam Kerr — all praised Stajcic.
Professional Footballers Australia and the Football Coaches Association decried Stajcic’s axing, and state federations, professional clubs and the Women’s Football Council have also made their displeasure known publicly and privately.
Stajcic questioned why the FFA did not attribute direct blame to him over their concerns but still showed him the door.
“Up until the day before the FFA terminated my employment I have only ever received praise from (FFA CEO David) Gallop both publicly and privately,” he said.
Stajcic said he saw the original PFA-FFA survey as “materially and hopelessly flawed” and took aim at selective leaks from the survey.
“For now, I look forward to the search for truth, honour and integrity in this awful saga,” he said.
‘I look forward to the search for truth, honour and integrity in this awful saga.’ FORMER MATILDAS COACH ALEN STAJCIC