Tony Gustavsson

Following the Matildas’ disappointing group stage campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Football Australia has confirmed that head coach Tony Gustavsson’s four-year contract has ended by mutual agreement.

Speculation had been mounting for months regarding Gustavsson’s future with the Matildas, and it has now been officially confirmed that he will not be signing a new deal.

“It has been a great honour and privilege to have been the head coach of the Matildas over the past four years. This journey with the team has had many incredible moments and memories that I will forever treasure,” Gustavsson said in a statement.

“Thank you to the incredible players for letting me play a small part in their stories, my staff for being beside me every step of the way, Football Australia for backing our vision for this team, the Australian football family for embracing me, and the Australian public for the tremendous support.”

He added, “Australian football will be forever in my heart, and I will be watching on and cheering on your success in the future.”

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The 50-year-old drew much attention at the 2023 Women’s World Cup last summer, where he coached the Matildas to the semi-finals on home soil.

His success saw him linked to both the Sweden Men’s team and the USWNT in their pursuit of a new manager. However, it was the USWNT, now under new head coach Emma Hayes, that eliminated the Matildas from the Olympics with a 2-1 win, sealing Gustavsson’s fate.

The early exit marks the first time in 24 years that Australia has failed to advance past the group stage. Football Australia stated that the team ‘now look forward to the Matildas’ upcoming program and towards the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, set to take place on home soil.’


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By Emilie Mwanza

Founder of Beyond The 90. Trainee multimedia journalist based in Preston.