Two-time Women’s World Cup winner Tony Gustavsson to lead Matildas

FFA has tonight announced Tony Gustavsson has been appointed as the 14th Head Coach of the Westfield Matildas.

The Swede has enjoyed a storied 21-year coaching career, including winning two FIFA Women’s World Cups as Assistant Coach of the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT).

Gustavsson was formally welcomed to the role on Australian soil on Tuesday, visiting Australia House in London.

“I am extremely proud and happy to have been appointed Head Coach of the Westfield Matildas. I feel that my 21 years of coaching experience has put me in the position to be ready for this,” Gustavsson said.

“I have always said that the Matildas have the potential to be one of the best teams in the world and that is one of the reasons that I wanted to get on board with this job. I have been in the pressure cooker a lot of times and in an environments that demand success. These experiences will be beneficial as we do this together with the fans, the stakeholders, the players, and the staff as a team.”

The 47 year old has also enjoyed success at club level, leading Swedish club Tyresö FF to the domestic title in 2012, runner’s up in 2013, and to the UEFA 2014 Women’s Champions League Final in 2014.

FFA Chairman Chris Nikou was thrilled to welcome Gustavsson to the role, which in addition to the World Cup in 2023 will involve leading the Matildas to two Olympic Campaigns and the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in India.

“We are delighted to have secured the services of Tony Gustavsson, who has been appointed following a robust and well-governed process, which was administered by a selection panel with strong football acumen and expertise in the women’s game and sport more broadly,” Nikou said.

FFA Chief Executive Officer James Johnson was also pleased to announce the appointment, saying that Gustavsson’s intimate knowledge of global football, experience at major tournaments, and strong history of success would be invaluable factors to lead the team forward.

“Tony arrives at the Westfield Matildas and FFA boasting a wealth of experiences in the international game and a strong track record of success,” Johnson said.

“Having worked closely with some of the best female footballers and coaches in the world and, through his time with the USWNT, he has developed an excellent understanding of what it takes to prepare for and perform in the intense, high-expectation environments of major international tournaments. We believe that in Tony, we have appointed a coach who will not only surpass the benchmarks and criteria we set as an organisation, but the standards that are expected by our players, football community and fans.”

“Throughout the process it was evident that Tony is eager to buy in to what we are working to build with the Westfield Matildas – an uniquely Australian team with a strong identity that is recognised as world class both on and off the pitch. We want to elevate our Westfield Matildas even further as a unifying symbol of the game to inspire all Australians, young and old. We believe that the combination of Tony’s persona and his experience make him the right person to help us do this. Importantly, Tony has also demonstrated a strong desire to positively influence the broader Australian football landscape by working closely with elite Australian coaches including Mel Andreatta, Rae Dower, and Leah Blayney to enhance their skillsets and help bring the next generation of female players through the development pathway over the crucial four year period ahead.”

 

Football Australia elects new Chair at 20th AGM

Football Australia AGM 2023

Football Australia held its 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

The AGM took place as the Football Australia 2023 Annual Review was released, which includes the Annual Financial Report for FY 2023 that was one of the meeting’s talking points.

At the AGM, three nominations were received to fill two Elected Director positions on the Board of Football Australia for terms expiring at the 2026 AGM:

  1. CICCARELLO, Salvatore (Sam) proposed by Football South Australia and seconded by Melbourne City FC;
  2. HILL, Alison proposed by Football Tasmania and seconded by Football Northern Territory; and
  3. PAPPAS, Spiro proposed by Football NSW and seconded by Football Victoria.

Football Australia’s Members voted to elect Mr. Sam Ciccarello and Mr. Spiro Pappas for terms of office, expiring at the 2026 AGM.

After the AGM, the Board convened to unanimously elect a new Chair, as Chris Nikou previously confirmed he would be stepping down. Anter Isaac was named to succeed him – a respected figure within the football community to lead the organisation. In addition, experienced technology and media executive Jaclyn Lee-Joe was also elected as Deputy Chair.

Nikou reflected on his five-year tenure as Chair, a role he had since November 2018 and was also a board member since 2014.

“As we conclude an extraordinary year for Australian football, my pride in our accomplishments in 2023 is immense,” he said in a statement.

“The Subway Socceroos and CommBank Matildas have delivered historic performances in their FIFA World Cups, sparking a nationwide celebration of our sport’s excellence. Our strong financial and commercial outcomes, alongside these successes, highlight the robustness and resilience of Australian football.

The unparalleled funding driven by the Legacy ’23 initiative, and our role in successfully co-hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup, are clear indicators of our dedication and capability. These are not mere achievements; they represent the flourishing potential and global recognition of Australian football.

“The continued expansion of our grassroots programs remains the cornerstone of our sport, crucial for sustained success. The triumphs of this year reflect the collective effort and commitment of the entire Australian football community. As I transition out of my role, I am filled with confidence that Australian football is on a trajectory to reach unprecedented levels, fuelled by our collective passion for the game and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

“Being the Chair of Football Australia has been both an honour and a tremendous responsibility. The progress we have made, and the resilience displayed by our football community during a period of dynamic change, fills me with immense pride.

“With the sport poised for continued growth, I am confident that under Anter’s leadership, Football Australia will scale new heights and continue to make significant strides in the world of football.”

Anter Isaac also spoke about becoming Chair as he thanked Nikou for his services.

“Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the outgoing Chair, Chris Nikou, for his exceptional leadership and dedication to Australian football,” Isaac said.

“His contribution has been invaluable. I am also profoundly grateful to my fellow Board Members for their confidence in me and I look forward to working with them. Stepping into the position of Chair of Football Australia is both an honour and a responsibility that I embrace with enthusiasm and commitment.

“Building on the strong foundation laid by Chris and previous Boards, our focus will be on nurturing our nation’s passion for football, advancing our strategic objectives, and ensuring the sustained growth and success of football at all levels in Australia.”

The Football Australia Board now comprises of the following members:

  • Anter ISAAC – Chair
  • Jaclyn LEE-JOE – Deputy Chair
  • Mark BRESCIANO
  • Joseph CARROZZI
  • Sam CICCARELLO
  • Amy DUGGAN
  • Heather GARRIOCK
  • Catriona NOBLE
  • Spiro PAPPAS

Auckland-based team confirmed to join A-Leagues for 2024/25 season

Auckland A-Leagues team

The A-Leagues have announced that New Zealand will have its second team in the competition with an Auckland-based side to join Wellington Phoenix for the 2024/25 season.

The newly established club will enter the A-League Men’s competition next October and begin life in the A-League Women a year later, for the 2025-26 competition.

The new team is still lacking other parts of club DNA like colours, a badge, a kit, a training facility and home stadium which would have to be decided in the near future.

Australian Professional Leagues (APL) said that there was a decision made by senior football executives to award American billionaire businessman Bill Foley a club licence to form the new franchise.

Foley is a 78-year-old insurance and financial services magnate who has had a recent history of dabbling into the sports ownership world.

In 2016, Foley was awarded a similar expansion licence to create the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL, with the team winning the Stanley Cup last season just seven years after establishment.

Recently, Foley has focused on football, with ownership and eventually assuming the role of chairman for AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League as well as acquiring a minority stake in French Ligue 1 club FC Lorient where he has created a partnership between the two clubs.

This expansion has the ability to connect the new Auckland-based team to those two clubs, creating a simple pathway for quality loan players or transfers.

Foley discussed the potential and excitement this new team can bring to football in New Zealand.

“Building a championship team from expansion has been my most exhilarating professional achievement, and I aim to do the same for the fans of New Zealand and particularly the community on the North Island,” he said in a personal statement.

“It’s an honour to bring a top football club to Auckland. It’s a special place and an area that I know will embrace this team.”

Stephen Conroy, APL Chair, mentioned that the ownership of the club is in good hands.

“In Bill Foley we have a proven global sports investor and operator with a track record of building deep roots in the community, a passion for football, and a long-standing business and personal relationship with New Zealand,” Conroy added in a statement.

“We are delighted to welcome Bill and his team to the A-Leagues and look forward to seeing the club in action next year.”

APL said that Football Australia and New Zealand Football will now seek final approval from FIFA and the AFC federation to confirm this move.

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