The Matildas are distancing themselves from their former teammate Lisa De Vanna, describing the national team as a "safe haven" despite condemning the allegations and welcoming an independent review.
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De Vanna alleged she was subjected to sexual harassment, indecent assault and bullying during her career, before other players shared their own allegations in the national side set-up and A-League Women's competition last week.
The allegations led to Football Australia launching an independent complaint process with Sport Integrity Australia for players and staff.
FA released a statement on behalf of the team on Monday morning. Initially Elise Kellond-Knight was the only one to speak up, but she said in a since-deleted a tweet she was unsure of the accusations.
Kellond-Knight and the 14 other players' statements, including Canberra's Lydia Williams and Karly Roestbakken, described the side as their "safe haven" and "second family" rejecting any of the allegations in the current set-up.
The statement said they would work with FA, PFA and SIA to ensure all players felt comfortable and safe to report inappropriate behaviour.
"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," it read.
"There must also be a trusted process to deal with these complaints.
"We stand supportive of athletes who are able to come forward and report instances of inappropriate behaviour in their respective environments, and therefore welcome an independent review into this matter."
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It reiterated the side had a professional, inclusive and supportive culture that did not condone the behaviour outlined in allegations aired in the media.
"As a group, we represent the values reflective of Australia and that includes acceptance and inclusivity, regardless of sexuality, ethnicity or culture," it said.
"It was disappointing to observe conversations inferring the group is not accepting of differences, especially given the diversity that exists within our current leadership group on all those fronts, let alone across the broader team.
"As a team, we have spoken at length about the allegations and are all hurt by what has occurred. We hold this team close to our hearts and for many, this team has been a safe haven.
"It has given us strength and purpose throughout our careers. We are together like a family in this, from our oldest to our youngest player, and the difficulties we've faced in the last week have only made us stronger as a group."
The 15 personal statements from the Matildas:
- Mackenzie Arnold - "I am in full support of this collective statement together with my teammates. The Matildas have been my second family and safe place for over a decade, and we, as a full inclusive team, will always stand for and with each other."
- Ellie Carpenter - "I support the collective team statement. The current Matildas environment is one that allows individual players to strive for their personal best within the team setting."
- Steph Catley - "The Matildas have always been a second family to me. I have spent more time with these players and these staff members than I have with my own family at times, and I have always felt at home and safe. I am proud to be part of this family and will always support and care for the people within it."
- Caitlin Foord - "From the moment I stepped into the Matildas environment as a 16-year-old, this has been my safe place and the professional environment has helped me to grow into the player and person I am today. I stand with my teammates / second family in full support of this collective statement."
- Mary Fowler - "I play my best football when I'm in an environment that's professional, fun and supportive. This team gives me all of that."
- Alanna Kennedy - "Being a part of the Matildas family is something I take immense pride in. I fully support our collective statement and stand by the strong, inclusive, safe and professional environment that I have experienced for the best part of a decade."
- Elise Kellond-Knight - "The Matildas are a large part of my identity. I have dedicated a lot of my time to help grow the culture and professionalism of this team and it's been a fantastic journey that we are all proud of."
- Sam Kerr - "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. I count myself lucky to be a part of this amazing group of athletes and people."
- Teagan Micah - "Since joining this team at the beginning of 2019, I have felt welcomed, valued and only experienced the utmost professional environment both on and off the field."
- Clare Polkinghorne - "Being part of the Matildas has been the greatest honour and I couldn't be prouder to be a part of this team."
- Hayley Raso - "Throughout my involvement with the Matildas, I have found great comfort in the professional and safe working environment within this group. The Matildas are like my family, they have played a big part in shaping who I am, and I am so proud to be a part of this special team."
- Karly Roestbakken - "For me, coming in at a young age during a major tournament, I have experienced nothing but acceptance and welcome and can honestly say the environment is one of the best I have been a part of."
- Emily van Egmond - "I am in full support the collective team statement. For 11 years I have been incredibly lucky to be part of such an amazing team, be surround by incredible athletes and even better people. The Matildas have always been more than just a team, they have been my safe space and my second family. In those 11 years, this group has helped me grow and find myself as a footballer and as a person. I am grateful to them for being a part of my journey and shaping who I am today."
- Lydia Williams - "As a current and long-standing Matilda, I am in full support of the collective statement from the team and the professionalism which we have built over the years. I am proud of every moment that I get to stand with and for my teammates in the green and gold."
- Tameka Yallop - "As an individual and as a current Matilda I am in full support of the collective statement made by the teammates I stand side-by-side with wearing the green and gold jersey."
Isobel Cootes
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times. A Novocastrian with a passion for football (or soccer as they call it in the capital) via The Examiner and The Port Lincoln Times.
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times. A Novocastrian with a passion for football (or soccer as they call it in the capital) via The Examiner and The Port Lincoln Times.
