Former Matildas star Lisa De Vanna UNLOADS on departing Football Australia boss James Johnson following abuse and bullying claims
Matildas legend Lisa De Vanna has publicly unloaded on outgoing Football Australia boss James Johnson, who has resigned after more than five years in charge.
It comes after De Vanna, 40, alleged in 2021 she suffered same-sex sexual harassment, abuse and bullying during her decorated 150-game international career.
Her former teammate and W-League stalwart Rhali Dobson also alleged she was a target of sexual harassment in her career.
Striker De Vanna - who scored 47 goals for the Matildas - was furious at the time after Johnson said any such complaint would be handled by Sport Integrity Australia and not football's governing body.
'This will ensure that matters like those raised by Lisa and Rhali are dealt with appropriately and individuals have the right support around them in an independent way,' Johnson said in a video statement.
'We must acknowledge that at the centre of this, we have two players who have shown great courage to speak about and to share their personal experiences.
'Lisa and Rhali, we see you and we hear you.'
De Vanna, Australia's second-highest goal-scorer in senior internationals behind Sam Kerr, alleged abuse dating back to 2001 when she joined the Young Matildas squad as a 17-year-old.
She said she had been sexually harassed, bullied and ostracised because of her reactions to such incidents.
Bombshell accusations include allegedly being pulled down from behind and dry-humped.
Fast forward to 2025 and De Vanna clearly believes Johnson wasn't proactive enough in addressing the allegations.
Taking to X on Thursday, De Vanna posted: 'Goodbye [derogatory term] what took you so long?
'Hope you go to hell. No one should have gone through the darkness you put me through, but I survived, think this is over?
'This chapter is far from over.'
It followed Johnson informing the Football Australia board of his decision to resign on Thursday after more than five years at the helm.
Current Director and former Matilda Heather Garriock has been named as the interim CEO.
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