11 Feb "Lack of clarity and transparency": Tearful Stajcic demands answers after Matildas sacking

Alen Stajcic has called for an independent review to gain greater clarity surrounding his shock sacking as Matildas head coach.

Stajcic’s contract was terminated on January 19 by the FFA after a confidential survey uncovered an apparent toxic culture within the Matildas.

Speaking to the media this morning, Stajcic strongly denied that any cultural problems lingered within the squad during his tenure and that an independent inquiry should be undertaken to resolve the issue.

“It’s not a word (toxic culture) in my vocabulary,” he said.

“In 20 years of coaching I’ve never had an issue around the culture of any single team that I’ve coached, let alone the Matildas.

“In five years I’ve never had a conversation with anyone on the executive, ceo, chairman about the culture of my team and the first time I’d ever spoken to David Gallop about this issue was on the 18th of January and that conversation went for somewhere around 20 minutes.

“It’s been fairly common language over the last few weeks that there’s been a lack of transparency and due process.

“Moving forward, for me as an individual and as a sport, I think an independent review is required to find out how we got in this position.”

A tearful Stajcic revealed the toll his dismissal has taken on both himself and his family.

“Both my kids have had to go to school, read the speculation and the innuendo and the firestorm that has erupted due to the lack of clarity and transparency that was offered,” Stajcic said.

“Due to the nature of the comments, both public and private that were offered by the board directors – more than one, has only added to the speculation that’s been around over the last couple of weeks.

“As a father and as a person who is highly engaged in my community, that’s certainly been the toughest part to take.”

A replacement for Stajcic is yet to be finalised, with the Women’s World Cup set to get underway on June 7 in France.

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