Pioneering Matildas have accused Football Australia of using a new membership program’s code of conduct to silence criticism and unfairly exclude “B” cap internationals from ticketing benefits ahead of the Asian Cup.
Football Australia faces a backlash from former Matildas over the launch of “Matildas FC,” a membership platform providing complimentary tickets.
Alumni claim the program’s code of conduct acts as a “silencing mechanism” by threatening to revoke benefits if members criticize the governing body.
“Alumni are left cornered: refuse to join and lose access to benefits, or join and surrender freedom of expression,” a spokesperson said.
The dispute also centers on the exclusion of 34 “B” cap pioneers from the program. Despite their historical contributions, these veterans have seen their ticket privileges revoked just before the home tournament.
Describing the move as “profoundly disrespectful,” the Alumni spokesperson noted that these women “built the foundations of the national team through sacrifice and resilience,” only to be excluded from the upcoming Asian Cup festivities.