SBS Chief football host Lucy Zelic has called on Alen Stajcic to come out with “his version of the story” following his termination as Matildas head coach.
Zelic, who guested on Evenings on FNR, believes the public needs to hear the truth behind his sensational sacking by Football Federation Australia and whether it was justified.
But Zelic told FNR the former Matildas coach may not be legally able to speak publicly after allegedly accepting a payout from the FFA.
“I have heard he’s accepted a payout which means allegedly according to his contract he can’t come out publicly,” Zelic said.
“If this is the case it means, it many respects, you’re choosing to admit to fault.
“I would love for him to come out and for us to hear his version of the truth in this scenario.
“If Stajcic feels he’s been hard done by then he has every right to pursue legal advice to clear his name but where is he?
“We need to hear the truth here.”
FFA CEO David Gallop has been vague in his addresses during the early stages of the saga, citing legal confidentiality.
It was been reported Stajcic met with FFA last Friday to review the results of the survey conducted by Our Watch, which allegedly left the governing body unsatisfied with Stajcic’s response.
The decision to terminate Stajcic’s contract was one the FFA made without consulting its newly appointed Women’s Council and did so without informing the players, many of whom found out on social media.
“If Stajcic was given the opportunity to address the issues and refused and stormed out on Gallop, as it has been reported, this is just as concerning,” Zelic said.
“Encompassed within leadership is accepting responsibility.
“I’m encouraging people to be open minded – Stajcic could be innocent here but we haven’t heard from him.”
In addition, Zelic believes this review needs to be extended to all tiers of the national team including the youth squads.
“This needs to be extended as far as our youth national teams,” Zelic said.
“I’ve been made aware that the system in the youth national teams is just as fractured.
“The culture is just as bad.
