Football Australia shelved abuse investigation into Jets coach
Football Australia quietly stopped investigating abuse claims against Newcastle Jets coach Ryan Campbell despite 20+ reports.
Football Australia received a complaint in June 2024 about Jets coach Ryan Campbell bullying teenage girls in the academy. More than 20 people spoke to Football Australia about the claims, describing emotional and verbal abuse of young players.
An external investigator spoke to only a few people before the investigation was quietly stopped. Campbell denies the claims and says he has changed how he coaches.
Parents and players have no idea what happened to the investigation. They feel Football Australia ignored the children's welfare.
Football Australia's own rules say complaints should be resolved within three months.
- June 2024
- Complaint date
- More than 20 people
- Complainants interviewed
- Christopher Bucknell, Core Integrity
- External investigator
- Three months
- Required resolution time
Why it mattersChildren in the academy were possibly left at risk while the investigation was stalled. This raises questions about whether Football Australia can protect young players.
AustraliaAustralian children in elite sports academies depend on governing bodies to take abuse complaints seriously and act quickly to keep them safe.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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