May 9 – Football Australia CEO James Johnson is leaving the federation after 5½ years, saying that while it was a difficult decision to leave “the time is right to step down”.
Current Football Australia director and former national team player Heather Garriock will take over as Interim Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. Johnson will take a “short break” before taking his next career step.
While no detail is being given about his next job, Johnson has built a strong reputation in football administration circles. He has previously worked at the Asian Football Confederation, FIFA and City Football Group. A return to a currently administratively challenged but voraciously ambitious FIFA could be one of the few football jobs that would lure him away from the country that he represented at U17 level.
During his term as Football Australia’s CEO he led the successful bid to win the 2023 Women’s World Cup and led the delivery of the tournament that was expanded to 32 teams for the first time. While pulling out of the bid to host the 2034 men’s World Cup, Football Australia did win the bid to host the expanded women’s Asian Cup in 2026 and left a strong marker for hosting the 2029 Club World Cup.
Football Australia has also submitted a bid for the 2027 Men’s Asian Cup. In 2032 Australia will host the Olympic game, including its men’s and women’s football tournaments in Brisbane.
Football Australia said Johnson will “support the organisation to finalise key projects and will work with the Board and Interim CEO to ensure a smooth transition”.
Football Australia Chair Anter Isaac said: “James has guided Football Australia through extraordinary challenges and leaves a great legacy.”
Domestically Johnson managed the federation through the Covid pandemic, a series of reforms of the grassroots and club game, best ever performances at the men’s 2022 World Cup 2022 and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, and established a 15-year Vision plan for the FA.
“I want to extend my thank you to the Football Australia Board and everyone within the Australian football community for their support during my tenure. Football is a local and global sport so no matter where I am, I will always be here to support Football Australia and Australian football,” said Johnson.
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