Latest news with #A-League
Otago Daily Times
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Phoenix hire former Canada coach who spied on Football Ferns
Bev Priestman, the former head coach of Canada's women's football team who was banned for her role in drone spying scandal at the Paris Olympics, has been named as head coach of the Phoenix women's team. Priestman, who also guided Canada to Olympic glory in Tokyo, has signed a two-year deal. She replaces Paul Temple who left following the conclusion of the last A-League season. Priestman recently finished serving a one-year ban from any football-related activity for her role in the Canadian team's misuse of drones at last year's Paris Olympics. Football's world governing FIFA suspended Priestman after an investigation revealed that she along with other coaching staff used a drone to spy on New Zealand's training session at the Olympics. Following an independent review of the incident by Canada Soccer, Priestman was permanently stood down from the head coaching role. Phoenix Chairman Rob Morrison said the club was thrilled to have made a signing of Priestman's calibre. "We're really pleased to be able to welcome Bev back to football," Morrison said. "We all know she's had a period of time away from the game, but we understand the circumstances and we're really comfortable with this appointment. "Bev can't wait to get started and we're really happy that she's going to be coaching the Phoenix." Priestman had previously worked as head of football with New Zealand Football and mentored current Football Ferns coach Michael Mayne. In total Priestman has coached at four FIFA Women's World Cups, three Olympic Games and three FIFA youth world cups. She's twice been shortlisted for the Best FIFA women's coach award and holds the world's most prestigious coaching qualification, the UEFA pro licence. "Bev is a world-class coach and a top person, and I have no doubt she will bring her winning mentality to the Wellington Phoenix," Morrison said. Priestman said she was grateful for the opportunity. "Huge thanks to Rob, Shaun Gill (director of football) and David Dome (general manager) for giving me this chance to come back to the game I love and hopefully bring some special moments to not only this city, but this country," Priestman said. "Coming back to New Zealand and seeing the Phoenix week in week out as the only professional women's team has been amazing. We have a responsibility now to fly the flag for this country and try to do something special. "On the pitch I want to see players express themselves and be brave. I want players to take risks, play forward, excite the fans and get them out of their seats." Morrison said the signing of Priestman was a big move for the club. "Securing Bev as head coach speaks to the ambition we have for this team. "Signing one of the world's best coaches is a statement for the club, but it is also a statement for the Ninja A-League, reflecting the ambition and investment from APL for the development of the women's game in Australasia." It is a full circle moment for Priestman, who 16 years ago headed up coach development in Wellington. She then went on to be New Zealand Football's director of football development and played a pivotal role in the award-winning Whole of Football Plan.
News.com.au
13 hours ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Matildas' Asian Cup Ultimate Guide: Who and where Australia are playing, how to get tickets
The Matildas' path to their first Asian Women's Cup victory since 2010 has been set and while they avoid clashing wtih competition front runners in the group stage the road to victory won't be without challenges. As hosts and the third highest ranked Asian team qualified for the 2026 Asian Women's Cup the Matildas couldn't be matched up with top nations Japan or Korea DPR in the group stage. The draw, held in Sydney on Tuesday night, saw Australia drawn into a pool with Korea Republic, Iran and Philippines. Matildas have to finish as the top two team in its group to guarrantee progression to the knockout stages. The two best placed third teams will also progress. It shouldn't be an issue but as seen at recent tournaments - unknown teams - Iran and Philippines can prove difficult for the Matildas to handle. It was South Korea who put an early end to the Matildas 2022 Asian Cup campaign knocking them out with a shock 1-0 win. Several of the Philippines players have starrred in the A-League's Women's in recent seasons and they have most recently been coached by former Matilads coach Alen Stajcic before former Western United Women's coach Mark Torcasso took over. Matildas are desperate to lift the trophy, a feat not achieved in 15 years, especially after coming so close at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and falling dissappointingly short at the 2024 Olympics. New coach Joe Montemurro has just two international windows left to prepare the Matildas for the tournament - which will be hosted by Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney from March 1 The draw was an elaborate event, attended by government officials, AFC representatives, Football Australia interim CEO Heather Garriock, Matildas coach Joe Montemurro and Tom Sermanni – the last coach to guide Australia to victory 15 years ago. There was a cultural dance, unveiling of the competition slogon 'dream fearless' and virtual tour of the three host cities - Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney. COO of the AFC Women's Asian Cup local organising committee Sarah Walsh said 'dream fearless' was more than just a slogon. 'It's a mindset that runs through every part of this tournament,' Walsh said. 'It reflects the courage of players chasing greatness on and off the pitch, the ambition of nations rising together, and the power of football to break barriers. 'This bold new brand captures that energy and sets the stage for a truly inclusive celebration — one that unites communities across Australia, Asia, and beyond through the shared language of the beautiful game, while proudly representing the stories and cultures of First Nations peoples.' EVERY MATILDAS GAME Game 1: v Philippines on March 1 at Optus Stadium, Perth. Game 2: v Iran on March 5 at Cbus Stadium, Gold Coast. Game 3: v South Korea on March 8 at Accor Stadium, Sydney. HOW THE GROUPS LINE UP HOW DID TEAMS QUALIFY? As the host nation the Matildas automatically qualified for the 2026 tournament. China, South Korea and Japan all gained entry as they claimed the top three spots at the 2022 Asian Women's Cup. Vietnam, Taiwan, India and Philippines are back after topping their groups in qualifying. Iran will make a repeat appearance after debuting in 2022. Uzbekistan made the cut for the first time in 23 years and North Korea will make its first appearance since 2010. Bangladesh ranked 128th in the world is the only tournament debutant. HOW THE COMPETITION WORKS? All 12 teams will be divided into three group of four. Each team will play every team in the group once with the top two teams in each group and two best placed third teams progressing to the knock out stages. The final will be held on March 22. WHO WILL BE IN THE MATILDAS SQUAD? New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro will be able to name 23 players for the tournament – a bigger squad than the 18 allowed for the Olympics. It opens the door for fringe players including Charli Grant, Courtney Nevin, Sharn Freier and Tash Prior to really push for a spot in the squad. Sam Kerr is expected to make a return in time for the tournament and Mary Fowler is racing the clock to be fit post her ACL surgery. MATILDAS ROAD TO THE ASIAN CUP The Matildas have just two international windows left before the Asian Cup kicks off in March – the first in October and the second in December – they will then not regroup until the tournament. Montemurro is yet to lock in opponents for those windows. With very limited time to get the squad in shape for the tournament who the Matildas play in those windows will be crucial to their preparation. WHERE WILL GAMES BE PLAYED? Matches will be played across three host cities – Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast. Games in Perth will be shared between Optus Stadium and HBF Park. Gold Coast matches will be played at Cbus Stadium. Sydney will host matches at Accor Stadium and CommBank Stadium. WHAT'S ON THE LINE? The winners will be crowned Asian Champions – a feat the Matildas haven't achieved since 2010. For the last time the tournament also serves as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup – the top four teams will earn automatic entry to the tournament. The four nations who lose the quarter-finals will then have to play off for the final spots in the World Cup. The top eight teams will gain entry to the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers. PAST WINNERS The Matildas last won the tournament in 2010 - it is their only major tournament win. There were high hopes for the Australian side at the 2022 tournament but they were knocked out by South Korea in the quarter finals. Australia took the runners-up title in 2006, 2018 and 2014. China are the most successful team at the Asian Cup with nine titles. 2022: China 2018: Japan 2014: Japan 2010: Australia 2008: North Korea 2006: China HOW TO BUY TICKETS Tickets are already on sale via Ticketmaster. Fans can purchase a pass to follow the Matildas through the opening three group stage games in Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney – tickets start at $130. There are also options to buy passes for each stadium, a group stage pass, play off pass and finals passes. Finals tickets start at $80.
News.com.au
18 hours ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Veteran gloveman Eloy Room among many options Adelaide United has in search for a goalkeeper
Veteran Dutch gloveman Eloy Room remains on Adelaide United's radar as the Reds seek to bolster their goalkeeping stocks following James Delianov's move to Newcastle. Free agent Room, 36, was recently linked with a move to Adelaide after spending last season at Belgian top-flight club Cercle Brugge, where his only appearance came in a Belgian Cup clash. Reds officials have confirmed that Room is one of many options the club is considering to add experience to its goalkeeping ranks. Following Delianov's departure, 20-year-old Max Vartuli and 22-year-old Ethan Cox are the only two keepers in Adelaide's A-League squad. New Adelaide coach Airton Andrioli on Tuesday said that the Reds were hoping to strengthen their squad in more than one area. 'We'll definitely be looking in some specific positions that we could reinforce in our playing group,' said Andrioli, who in May was confirmed as the replacement for previous Reds mentor Carl Veart. Family confessions 🤫 Get to know our new Reds, thanks to their families. — Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) July 29, 2025 Apart from Delianov's recent departure, the club also parted way with key midfielder Zach Clough earlier this month, with the Englishman released from his contract to allow him to join Malaysian club Selangor. 'Football is a short career … and financially it was something that he couldn't say no to,' Andrioli said. 'I didn't want to keep a play here that was thinking 'I could have gone, I should have gone'. 'Zach is gone. That is part of the past now. Maybe one day he'll come back and we'll have a chance to work together, but now we're leaving that behind and just focusing on what's ahead of us.' That includes Wednesday night's Australia Cup round-of-32 battle against Delianov's Newcastle at Maitland Sports Ground., The Reds will be without last season's skipper Ryan Kitto, who has been ruled out after being concussed at training on Monday. Socceroos winger Craig Goodwin, who recently rejoined Adelaide, also won't play as he continues his recovery from foot surgery. Andrioli said a decision on who would captain the Reds this season had yet to be made. 'We've got a leadership group that we have established, and we are in the process of finalising that. We're not rushing into any of that,' he said. In Wednesday night's other Australia Cup round-of-32 games, APIA Leichhardt hosts Melbourne City, Canberra FC takes on Metro Stars, and Brisbane City meets NPL Queensland rivals Olympic FC.
RNZ News
a day ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Former All White Marco Rojas announces retirement
Marco Rojas of New Zealand All Whites. Photo: Former All Whites and Wellington Phoenix player Marco Rojas has announced his retirement from professional football. The 33-year-old New Zealand international made 155 A-League appearances over 16 years, with stints at the Phoenix, Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar. He also played for clubs in Europe and South America. The All Whites winger returned to Wellington for the 2024-25 season but injuries meant he made just seven appearances before the mutual agreement to terminate his contract three months early. Earlier this month Rojas returned briefly to his former club Victory to take part in pre-season training. "Now I can put the curiosity to bed, and acknowledge that it's time for me to move on. I am ready. I will not be playing anymore week in and week out like the professionals do," Rojas told A-Leagues. "I'm yet to know what type of football I might play down the line, although I really love the idea of keeping fit for the odd charity or community game." Rojas played 45 times for the All Whites after making his debut in 2011. He won the Johnny Warren Medal following the 2012-23 A-League season. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
It's a long shot. But Sydney FC should be applauded for having a crack at Thomas Müller
Domestically, the Australian football economy continues to shrink. Club distributions are down from over $3 million per season to an all-time low of $530,000, and so most clubs don't even bother trying to sign big names. It's beyond them, and there is little appetite from club owners to dig their hands even further into their pockets. And when they do, they have to settle for the likes of Douglas Costa, who had already had his run through MLS by the time he washed up at the Sky Blues last season, but has proved to be a worthy signing, or Juan Mata, who was many years past his peak when Western Sydney Wanderers had the chance to grab him - as evidenced by his on-field output. Mata might yet return next season, but if he does, he'll be a luxury add-on for the Wanderers, rather than a key starting player. A-League clubs have largely pivoted towards bringing through academy players - and so they should. They've finally learned how to turn young, homegrown talent into sizeable transfer fees, and flipping kids for cash is the only way they can be sustainable in the long term. It's good for the game, too. It's a shift that is already benefiting the Socceroos and, in turn, will reinforce the A-League's legitimacy as a breeding ground and relevance for the many fans in Australia who follow European football but not the local product. The more that A-League alumni players can reach the top levels, the more it says to the unconverted that our competition is worth keeping a close eye on. But that can't be all that the A-League is, or will be. For one thing, those youngsters need to have hardened pros next to them in the dressing room to learn from. If the A-League was too reliant on experienced players in the past, it now runs the risk of going too far the other way. A careful balance has to be struck. Star power has always been the thing that moves the needle in this country, but it's never been more true than today. As mass culture continues to splinter into a million micro-niches, the need to have something - or someone - with cut-through power is critical. Müller is that sort of someone. And for every player who opts for the megabucks, there might be one per cent of them who are happy to forego those earnings for the glorious Australian lifestyle, of which the appeal to foreigners we sometimes underestimate because we're so lucky to experience it 24/7. Del Piero, don't forget, turned down more money elsewhere - and even a contract offer from Liverpool - because he was so attracted by the wonders of Sydney. Loading To ask the question of Müller is to send a message to the rest of the football world - and to sceptical local fans - that the A-League still has ambition. There's no risk in trying. In fact, the risk is not trying, and never knowing if he might have been the next Del Piero. At worst, you get a polite rejection. At best, you spark the sort of rare moment that can reignite interest in the domestic game, especially at a time when eyeballs are hard to win.
