Westfield Matildas Head Coach Alen Stajcic has agreed to a new four-year contract which will keep him at the helm until at least 2020.
Stajcic was initially appointed to the job on an interim basis in April 2014 and the new agreement will see him in charge for the AFC Women’s Cup 2018, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 and the 2020 Games in Japan.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO David Gallop said he was delighted to reward Stajcic with a long-term contract.
“Alen has done a remarkable job in achieving results with the Matildas, but his work on the team culture and player development has been equally significant,” said Gallop.
“My satisfaction comes from seeing a coach who honed his skills in Australia and shows a huge personal and professional commitment to the game leading our nation against the world’s best.
“He’s grown into a true leader who represents the ambition and dedication required to make Australia a top football nation.”
Speaking in Sydney today, Stajcic said it was a momentous week for him personally and the Matildas.
“I’m really honoured about the trust placed in me to continue with the Matildas,” said Stajcic. “We have come so far over the past two years, but there’s no limit to what this group of players can achieve.
I’m very happy on a personal level, but I think it’s also important for the program to have this certainty. The timing helps our focus on Rio.”
Stajcic’s new contract coincides with the announcement of a 20-player Westfield Matildas squad for the upcoming internationals against New Zealand in early June.
The two matches against the Football Ferns, to be played in Ballarat (4 June) and Melbourne (7 June) will be the Westfield Matildas’ official farewell matches for the Rio Games before they depart for Brazil in early July.
Tickets for both of the Westfield Matildas’ matches against New Zealand are on sale now
