New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has called for more support for A-League Women after Football Australia announced a multi-million dollar deal with Commonwealth Bank to support the game at all levels for the next six years.
Already the naming rights sponsor of the Matildas, the deal will see the Commonwealth Bank become the major sponsor of the Socceroos as well, along with the ParaRoos, ParaMatildas and emerging national sides. FA had announced earlier this week that Subway would cease to be the Socceroos’ major sponsor in August.
Montemurro took over earlier this month from interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni, who said in May domestic football in Australia needed “significant improvement in its professionalism.”
“You always want more support in any scenario, it’s a given,” Montemurro said. “The reality is that the A-League is the league that it is and there is a focus on clubs now to really understand the sustainable structures in place in terms of how they’re developing players.”
Montemurro built his coaching career in Australia, notably with Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory, before moving to European giants Arsenal, Juventus and most recently Lyon in France.
He is confident that as domestic football grows in professionalism, it will build a stronger talent pipeline ahead of the 2026 Asian Cup in Australia.
Matildas Coach Joe Montemurro with Football Australia interim CEO Heather Garriock on Thursday.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
“There’s an example of Melbourne City which I was involved in, going all the way through in the Asian Champions League,” Montemurro said. “So now these clubs have a bit of a name, and I suppose a direction on where they need to go.
“But more importantly, we need to now link the development [of the clubs] with the national team – start thinking, ’If we are a developing nation in terms of a league, then let’s start to identify some players for the next generation and the generations to come.”
Matildas midfielder Tameka Yallop, who has also played in Norway, Germany, Canada and England, joined Montemurro in calling for more growth in the domestic game.
Matilda Tameka Yallop and Socceroo Anthony Caceres.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
“I think there is a lot of room for growth in that aspect [of domestic football]. I have played a lot of seasons in the A-league, but I’ve also played overseas, and a lot of that time I’ve just come back to play A-league in the off season of my overseas club.
“Now we are a full home and away series [in the A-League] so I think that’s obviously a step in the right direction. And I think continuing to professionalise the game for the women is definitely a key ingredient in growing the game here and keeping it sustainable.”
Montemurro will be without Sam Kerr for two friendlies against Slovenia later this month after another injury setback for the star striker, who has been out of action since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in early January 2024.
Montemurro is confident Kerr is recovering well and said he was working closely with her club as she looks to build her fitness.
“She’s back training, back in the physical aspects of a rehab, and we look forward to seeing how that progresses over the next month,” Montemurro said. “We’re working together closely with Chelsea to make sure that things are progressing, but all reports are positive.”
CBA’s new deal with Football Australia comes with the banking giant set to be replaced by Westpac as a sponsor of Australian cricket.
CBA chief executive Matt Comyn was unable to confirm the exact value of the sponsorship deal with FA.
“It’s a significant deal beyond the … multi-million dollar extension per year, by the time you add that up over the six years,” Comyn said. “It’s a significant financial commitment.”
