SYDNEY (AP) — Alumni group representing former Australian Women’s University soccer Players say Football Australia is trying to silence former Matildas players by introducing a membership program that limits criticism of the sport’s governing body.
and Women’s Asian Cup Football Australia, which kicks off this weekend, is facing questions over the introduction of a platform called Matildas FC that will offer free tickets to former players.
Previously, former players received free international match tickets without having to register on any platform.
The Matildas Alumni Association, the representative body for former national team players, has raised concerns about the rules players must agree to in order to become members of Matildas FC and receive free tickets.
A Matildas Alumni Association spokesperson said in a statement: “The code of conduct imposed alongside the platform acts as a silencing mechanism to restrict alumni from expressing views critical of the FA.”
“Graduates are forced into a corner: they can either refuse membership and lose access to benefits, or they can join and give up their freedom of expression. Either option diminishes their agency and dignity.”
Matildas FC’s code of conduct states that members must “refrain from making public comments or statements that bring, or may bring, into disrepute to Football Australia”.
The code of conduct adds that failure to comply “may result in removal of benefits or cancellation of membership.”
In a statement to The Associated Press, Football Australia said its code of conduct “sets out fundamental expectations” for its members.
A Football Australia spokesperson said: “The code of conduct operates in the same way as the terms and conditions of a membership program.” “It sets out the basic expectations associated with the benefits of membership for Matildas FC and Socceroos FC.”
Australia led by captain sam carr They will face the Philippines on Sunday in Perth, Western Australia, in the opening match of the 12-team Women’s Asian Cup.
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