The scandal of sexual abuse in women’s football extends to Australia, where several players have denounced a culture of tolerance towards these crimes. Lisa de Vanna, 36, a former Matildas striker, said in an interview that she had repeatedly suffered predatory behavior and harassment from her teammates when she was a teenager.
‘Was I sexually harassed? Yes. Was I harassed? Yes. Did I see things that made me uncomfortable? Yes, ”the former player told the Sydney Daily Telegraph after the US women’s football strike who stopped in protest against cases of sexual harassment. De Vanna said she was groped by her teammates when she was playing for the Young Matildas and that she suffered other harassment without those responsible being prosecuted.
His allegations have been confirmed by former teammate Elissia Carnavas, and former coach, Rose Garofano. Another former footballer, Rhali Dobson, said she suffered abuse when she first entered professional football.
The Australian Football Association denied having been aware of these allegations and announced an independent investigation into the complaints. “Australian football has a zero tolerance line for any conduct that infringes the values and standards that are required of anyone involved in the sport,” reads a statement. Next year Australia and New Zealand will host the women’s soccer world cup.
In recent times, cases of abuse have also been reported in women’s gymnastics and hockey. And the Swimming Federation has also launched an investigation after a swimmer left the national team before the Tokyo Olympics for the presence of “misogynistic perverts” in the sport.