Thats impressive... 

I would believe the statement from the players before anything churned out by the ‘gutter press ‘.

This is nauseating 

So DeVanna is the only dissenting voice so far?
An investigation into the current Matildas squad seems pointless unless someone is prepared to break ranks.
For this to go further De Vanna has to name names.

This statement reminds me of that press conference Tiger Woods gave after he was caught having all those affairs - you just know that the lawyers and PR Crisis management hacks spent the last week writing and rewriting this and the players were basically told to sign it. Makes sense, they had to respond to a public allegation before the Matildas arrived back.
But I wonder if the "inclusive" and "accepting of diversity" group environment were accepting of players reluctant or against signing this statement.
'All in the game, all in the game'

23WWQ sponsors concerns- tick

Current Government agencies concerns - tick

Now, quick investigation or a 24 month one seems to be the next challenge

This looks like a classic PR statement, will this be an ICAC style of review or will it be done by Football Aus.? 

Given the matter has been handed over to Sports Integrity to investigate, I'm not really sure that such a public response is appropriate.

Not just Devanna, 3 others so far

Can I ask what you are impressed with mate?
A man's career and reputation was almost destroyed by an un-published opinion poll, let alone one of the greatest Matilda's in history basically confirming that she has witnessed the very people who "signed off"  on this motherhood, corporate, blanket statement by an organization in crisis mode, doing vile acts that fly against everything they are saying.... what is impressive about it? Seriously curious.

Have you seen the topless shower pic of herself Kerr sent Cooney Cross when she was still 16 yet? .... THAT IS GROOMING AND DISTRIBUTION OF PORNOGRAPHIC IMAGES TO A MINOR = SHOULD MEAN JAIL TIME - If it is proven to be true of course.

I found it quite interesting that a lot of the statements felt the need to say something along the lines of "I feel this is a safe place." Shouldn't that be a given when going on international duty? Something is off, and this statement has just thrown fuel on the fire imo.

Football abuse claims: Matildas have thrown Lisa De Vanna under the bus, says former player

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/football/football-abuse-claims-matildas-release-statement-in-response-to-lisa-de-vanna-abuse-allegations/news-story/d689ca7e44deb4a8db1f6b6060ad75f1

A former teammate of several current Matildas says it’s time to put friendships aside in football’s fight for change, reserving a scathing attack for group statement issued by Football Australia.

A former teammate of several current and past Matildas has come forward to express her disgust at the group statement issued by Football Australia on behalf of the Matildas which clearly was “orchestrated bullshit” designed to protect brand of the national women’s side.
Declining to be named for fear of retribution, the player said there was growing resentment in the ranks about how Football Australia was treating the bombshell claims of a toxic culture within the football community, and the treatment of Lisa De Vanna herself.“
Enough is enough and its time to put friendships aside and focus on what’s important within the future of the sport for the integrity of upcoming generations. “
They just want this issue to just go away.”

In an official statement released on Monday, the current Matildas made the following statement: “We acknowledge the seriousness of Lisa’s allegations about the past and we empathise with her for not feeling like she could come forth earlier.

“We will work with Football Australia, the PFA and Sport Integrity Australia to ensure that all current and future players feel comfortable, safe and able to report instances of inappropriate behaviour, in a timely manner.

“There must also be a trusted process to deal with these complaints.

“We all – from our most capped players to our most recently capped - would like to reassure to our fans, family and friends that today we have a strong professional, inclusive and supportive culture that does not condone any of the behaviour mentioned within the numerous media articles about historical incidents.”

It should be noted that the initial explosive claims by De Vanna were triggered by a recent incident involving a current player within the Football Australia system - a player she said had suffered personally and professionally.

De Vanna first reached out to Football Australia 18 months ago, and then News Corp last week but the tone and contents of Monday’s Matildas statement prompted a terse response from some within the football community.

“I was prompted to speak out after seeing the Matilda’s statement ... the amount of bullshit that was spun ... this isn’t historical, it is still happening,” said the teammate of several current and former Matildas.

“I think it’s time for all of us to speak up within women’s soccer.

“I could talk for hours on end about my experiences of seeing things during my soccer career.

“I can’t see it changing - this statement shows that things won’t change. And the way they have thrown Lisa (De Vanna) under a bus is disgraceful.

“It hasn’t just been Lisa that has spoken up - there have been a few of us now.

“For all of us it’s been about player welfare from the grassroots up - we all love the game of football. We wish Football Australia did too, and weren’t just treating it like a brand.”

Socceroos legend Robbie Slater had on Sunday urged the Matildas current stars to speak up about the allegations.

“Incidents that De Vanna has brought up may have been wrongly swept under the carpet when the Matildas’ following was small,” Slater said in an exclusive column for News Corp.

“But there’s no more hiding, and that applies to the players as well.

“The silence from Matildas captain Kerr and her teammates – particularly the squad’s senior players – has been deafening.

“Where is their support for De Vanna?”

Matildas star Sam Kerr made her national debut as a 15-year-old in 2008 before becoming the team captain and all-time leading goalscorer, overtaking De Vanna at the Tokyo Olympics.

“I have been a part of this team for 12 amazing years, from 15 years old to now. Throughout my career the Matildas have been a safe haven for me and allowed me to grow into the player and person I am today,” Kerr said.

“I count myself lucky to be a part of this amazing group of athletes and people.”

Elise Kellond-Knight initially questioned De Vanna when news first broke last week, before deleting a tweet in response to the Matildas icon’s allegations.

The 31-year-old defended the Matildas culture on Monday.

great example of abusive culture here

gaslighting 101

I’m confused. If all the players reckon the environment has always been great …. and for more than ten years …then why did Stajic get sacked?

Rumors on twitter that the UK media are dropping a big story on Sam Kerr tomorrow. I'm assuming its related to the De Vanna situation. 

Quote from current player, former Matilda
"we all love the game of football. We wish Football Australia did too, and weren’t just treating it like a brand.” .......... 

"...Yes; we're all individuals..."
                                   Life of Brian

Most interesting quote to me was from Polks:
“Being part of the Matildas has been the greatest honour and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this team.”

Completely ignores the issues and makes a statement that she is proud to be a Matilda. I believe her statement 100% but it is also damning how little it actually says. I am personally inclined to believe she was pressured to say that much but did not cave in completely to the pressure.

I am getting stronger and stronger impressions that this is going to be swept under the carpet - and an equally strong aversion to the Matildas brand the more they dodge and deny it all.

This.

In fairness to the current leadership group (if the allegations are true) they aren't exactly going to come out and say "yes we are all lesbians and frequently have sex with each other and try and coerce young girls into joining us"... the sponsors would pull the plug and they would all lose their jobs.... it seems like there are some painful,revelations  coming and I don't think even James "Mr Wolf" Johnson will be able to fix this mess.  

Point of order:

State	Minimum age of consent
New South Wales	16
Queensland	16
South Australia	17
Tasmania	17
Victoria	16
Western Australia	16
Northern Territory	16
Australian Capital Territory	16

The UN definition of a child is under 18 

It's amazing.   It's like they all learned to speak in bland, generic, sponsor appeasing platitudes all at the same time.  

Like someone else said, that's impressive.   

The human garbage collective would be pleased that the narrative continues.  

Looks like the former and current predators and groomers and their enablers within and outside the Australian Women's Football setup are going to get away with everything. 

Well fewww, thats a relief then...  Maybe she wont be stripped of her Ballon D'Or and become a registered sex offender. Lucky girl.

Imagine if the current players were bullied into agreeing to these statements? 

This only raises more questions and the only way is an completely independent third party investigation. 

Just by the by. Kudos for the NT and Canberra not having the Union Jack in the corner. NT flag the stand out.