Milicic to lead troubled Australia at women’s World Cup

SYDNEY: Ante Milicic was Monday appointed to steer the troubled Australian women’s football team at this year’s World Cup in France after previous coach Alen Stajcic was sacked in controversial circumstances.

The highly rated ex- Socceroos assistant coach will take charge immediately with his first three matches over the coming weeks when Australia hosts the Cup of Nations in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Football Federation Australia chairman Chris Nikou said Mil icic “understands the Australian sporting and football culture”.

“FFA is delighted to provide Ante — who has served a long apprenticeship in the game at both club and national team level — with the opportunity to lead the Matildas in France,” he added.

Stajcic, who took over in 2014, was suddenly dumped last month, with the FFA citing concerns over “workplace” and “player welfare” issues following two confidential surveys about the team environment and culture.

He has threatened legal action against the game’s governing body, saying his career was “in tatters” following the still unexplained dismissal.

FFA chief David Gallop, who has refused to give a detailed explanation about Stajcic’s termination, said Milicic stood out from a high- calibre list of applicants.

“Ante’s intimate involvement with our Nat ional Teams Unit over the past five years ensured that he will commence the posit ion with a clear understanding of the systems in place,” he said.

“( He) has sound relationships with key technical, backroom, and administrative staff already forged.

“Additionally, Ante is acutely aware of the level of detai l required to prepare for and compete at a FIFA World Cup.”

Australian Milicic, 44, was assistant coach at two men’s World Cups under A nge Postecoglou ( 2014) and Bert van Marwijk ( 2018). — AFP