SYDNEY (AP) 鈥� An alumni group representing former Australian women’s players says Football Australia is trying to silence former Matildas players by instituting a membership program that limits criticism of the sport鈥檚 governing body.
With the hosted by Australia set to start this weekend, Football Australia is facing questions over the introduction of a platform called 鈥淢atildas FC鈥� which provides former players with complimentary tickets.
The former players had previously received free tickets for internationals with no need to sign up to any platform.
Matildas Alumni, which represents former national team players, has raised concerns with the rules they must agree to in order to become members of Matildas FC and access complimentary tickets.
鈥淭he imposed code of conduct attached to the platform functions as a silencing mechanism, restricting Alumni from expressing views that may be critical of FA,鈥� a Matildas Alumni spokesperson said in a statement.
鈥淎lumni are left cornered: refuse to join and lose access to benefits, or join and surrender freedom of expression. Either path diminishes agency and dignity.鈥�
Matildas FC鈥檚 code of conduct says members must 鈥渞efrain from making public comments and/or statements that bring or may bring Football Australia鈥� into disrepute.
The code of conduct adds that failure to comply 鈥渕ay result in forfeiture of benefits or revocation of membership.”
In a statement to Australian Associated Press, Football Australia said its code of conduct 鈥渟ets out basic expectations鈥� for members.
鈥淭he code of conduct operates in the same way as the terms and conditions of any membership program,鈥� a Football Australia spokesperson said. 鈥淚t sets out the basic expectations that accompany the benefits of Matildas FC and Socceroos FC membership.”
Australia led by captain meets the Philippines in Perth, Western Australia, on Sunday in the opening match of the 12-team Women’s Asian Cup.
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