Matildas captain Sam Kerr has expressed her deep concern regarding the current state of women’s football in Australia, stating that “this shouldn’t be happening” as uncertainty looms over the futures of two A-League Women clubs. Her remarks came shortly after she was introduced by Gotham FC in the United States.

Concerns Over Investment

Kerr voiced her disappointment over the lack of investment in the domestic league, particularly following Australia’s successful co-hosting of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The futures of the Central Coast Mariners’ women’s team and Canberra United are currently in jeopardy, with the Australian Professional Leagues actively seeking buyers after the sale of the Mariners’ men’s team, which did not include its women’s program. “I’ve been reading this week about Central Coast Mariners and some of the stuff that’s happening in Australia at the moment and it’s quite disappointing to be honest,” Kerr remarked.

Need for Change

She emphasized that the situation is particularly troubling given the expectations following the World Cup. “Off the back of the 2023 World Cup you would think that there would be major investment in the A-League, and the girls deserve it out there,” she stated. Kerr highlighted that without proper investment, many players are being forced to leave the A-League, which undermines the goal of retaining top-level national team athletes.

Kerr also pointed out that enhancing facilities and infrastructure is essential for strengthening Australia’s player pathways and national teams. “I wish there was more investment – I don’t know the answer, I’m just an athlete, I’m just a player – but I know that the more you invest off the pitch for these girls in the facilities and the infrastructure and all of those things, you get the reward back on the pitch,” she explained. The 32-year-old called for urgent changes in leadership within the women’s game, asserting that those in charge must take responsibility for the current challenges. “Something has to change – because off the back of the 2023 World Cup this shouldn’t be happening,” she concluded.