MELBOURNE, Sept 17 (Askume) – Tom Selmani has been appointed interim coach following the departure of Tony Gustafsson, who will take charge of the Australian women’s soccer team for the third time.
Selmani is the Matildas’ longest-serving coach, having coached the side from 1994–1997 and 2005–12 and helping the team reach the quarter-finals for the first time at the 2007 World Cup in China.
The 70-year-old takes over from the World Cup semi-finalists who fell into disarray after their group stage exit at the Paris Olympics.
Australian football’s governing body said he would take up the role immediately and take charge of the next international window, which includes a match against Germany on October 28.
“I am honored to return to the Matilda family, even in a temporary capacity,” Selmani said in a statement Tuesday.
“I look forward to working with this talented group of players and helping to ensure a smooth transition for Football Australia as it continues its search for a permanent head coach.”
Selmani served as head coach of the powerful U.S. women’s team in 2013-14 and his last national team role was with Team New Zealand from 2018-2021.
Football Federation Australia said Selmani will step down as head of women’s football at Western Sydney Wanderers to focus on the Matildas.
