Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson forced to confirm his commitment after being caught up in Eddie Jones type scandal involving alleged interview with a rival nation

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has been forced to reaffirm his commitment to the national team as rumors swirl that he recently interviewed for the role of head coach of the Swedish men’s team.

In a statement, Gustavsson said he remains “fully focused” on helping Australia qualify for the Paris Olympics.

But the man who guided the Matildas to the World Cup semi-finals on home soil earlier this year did not deny that he is set to replace outgoing Swedish national coach Janne Andersson.

“I am passionate about the Matildas and, as I have said before, I am fully focused on qualifying and competing in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris,” said Gustavsson.

“Our team’s journey toward this goal is my primary focus and commitment.”

Tony Gustavsson (pictured, with Matildas skipper Sam Kerr) has signed a contract with Football Australia until the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris

A Swedish media report named BK Hacken boss Per-Mathias Høgmo and IF Elfsborg manager Jimmy Thelin as the other two main candidates.

It is clear that the Swedish Football Association wants to announce Andersson’s successor before January.

The speculation has compared Gustavvson to Wallabies coach Eddie Jones, who denied speaking to Japan on the eve of the Rugby World Cup in France, where Australia failed to progress beyond the group stages.

Gustavsson was previously linked with the vacant US women’s position, which was eventually given to Chelsea women’s boss Emma Hayes.

“Tony Gustavsson is currently under contract with Football Australia as head coach of the Matildas, and his tenure runs until the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris,” Football Australia said in a statement.

“Football Australia greatly appreciates his contributions to the team’s journey and achievements to date.

‘We are aware of speculation regarding Tony Gustavsson and the Swedish men’s national team. However, Football Australia does not comment on speculative reports or the potential future assignments of our employees outside of their current contracts.

“Regarding the future of Tony’s contract beyond the 2024 Paris Olympics, discussions will take place at an appropriate time in the future, adhering to our standard procedures.

“Football Australia’s immediate priority is the strategic preparation to qualify and compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.”