Australian radio host leaves role after ‘unacceptable' comments on women's national soccer team
A radio host in Australia has left his role following comments about the women's national soccer team that were labelled 'unacceptable' by the national governing body.
Marty Sheargold has been stood down from his position with the Triple M network after saying on air that the current women's national team reminded him of 'Year 10 girls' as well as mocking the name of the SheBelieves Cup. He later asked a co-host if they had 'got any men's sport' to discuss instead.
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On Wednesday Triple M's parent company, Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), confirmed a decision had been reached for the network to 'mutually part ways' with the 53-year-old comedian.
Football Australia, the body that runs soccer in the country, welcomed the 'swift response' calling the comments 'unacceptable', saying they 'diminish the extraordinary achievements and contributions of our women's national football team' while also failing to recognise the 'profound impact they have had on Australian sport and society.'
They also called on the incident to act as 'a stark reminder' of the 'responsibility media outlets and personalities have in fostering respectful and constructive discussions about women's sport and its participants.'
Football Australia is deeply disappointed by the unacceptable comments made by Marty Sheargold on Triple M regarding the CommBank Matildas.
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) February 26, 2025
SCA's chief content officer Dave Cameron said the incident offers his company the chance 'for reflection and review' with Sheargold saying he fully understood 'the gravity of his comments' and apologising for them.
Australia have appeared in eight World Cups since debuting in 1995 and reached the semifinals on home soil in 2023.
They are three-time champions of Oceanian Cup and will host the Asian Cup — a tournament they won in 2010 — next year.
'With just 12 months to go until Australia hosts the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, we look forward to building on the incredible story of the CommBank Matildas and continuing to elevate women's football,' the Football Australia statement added. 'This tournament will provide another platform to showcase women's football and further inspire future generations.
'Football Australia remains steadfast in its commitment to equality, diversity, and ensuring that the next generation of women and girls in football see a sport that values and respects them.
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'We appreciate the swift response from Southern Cross Austereo and hope this leads to meaningful conversations about the role of media in shaping public perceptions of women's football and women's sport in general.'
The team will play its final match of the SheBelieves Cup Wednesday night against Colombia. They lost their first two matches of the tournament to Japan and the United States.
(for Football Australia)
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