An anonymous staff survey found widespread psychological safety concerns, with the national body cutting 20% of its workforce ahead of major losses
Football Australia is preparing to implement internal organisational changes after an independent staff culture review revealed widespread concerns about workplace culture, governance, and staff wellbeing within the national sporting body.
The findings emerged from an anonymous internal survey conducted by consultancy firm Wingmaven in October last year, with staff describing the workplace culture as “toxic, chaotic, and negative” while also raising concerns about “perceived favouritism”, low psychological safety, and a lack of trust across the organisation, according to AAP.
More than 70% of the 39 respondents used overwhelmingly negative language to describe working within the organisation, AAP reported, with staff identifying issues including excessive bureaucracy, poor decision-making processes, and divisions between Sydney- and Melbourne-based employees. A word cloud compiled from staff responses also surfaced terms such as “hierarchical, bureaucratic, and egotistical”, as well as a “gruelling and unprofessional” culture.
Additional concerns included “meetings about meetings”, decisions “made on opinion not evidence”, and an “avoidance culture”, AAP reported.
The review was carried out while Heather Garriock, currently the organisation’s deputy chief executive, was serving as acting interim chief executive. Newly appointed chief executive Martin Kugeler did not take charge until January this year.
Restructure underway ahead of major tournaments
The internal findings come as Football Australia also faces significant financial pressure. Kugeler confirmed last week the organisation would cut approximately 20% of its workforce ahead of a projected $15.3 million loss to be announced at its upcoming AGM – more than double the $8.5 million loss recorded in the previous financial year.
In a statement, Football Australia said organisational reform was already under way.
“In 2025, Football Australia engaged Wingmaven to examine the culture and performance standards across the commercial, marketing, communications, digital, and events functions,” a Football Australia spokesperson said.
“The findings and recommendations have informed organisational changes which have commenced and will continue as part of our organisational restructure.
“Improving culture standards was a key criterion in our search for a new CEO.
“The appointment of Martin Kugeler, who has a proven track record in building high-performance, values-driven cultures, reflects our commitment to strengthening and sustaining positive workplace behaviours.”
Boardroom instability has compounded the organisation’s challenges, with three of the six directors nominated for Thursday’s board elections, including former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, withdrawing from the running, according to AAP. The three remaining candidates were all nominated by Australian Professional Leagues clubs.
Football Australia has indicated the internal changes are aimed at reshaping operations and improving long-term sustainability ahead of major future events, including the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, Australian Leisure Management reported.
