Top AFL journalist Caroline Wilson blames Matildas for ‘secrecy’ and staged treatment of stars as she says World Cup doesn’t capture Aussies’ imagination
- Reporter complains about secrecy surrounding Matildas
- Says Australians can’t get to know the players
- Described the team’s media management as ‘extraordinary’
Top football reporter Caroline Wilson believes that despite some exciting matches, the Women’s World Cup has not had a major impact in Australia – and she blames the ‘secrecy’ surrounding the Matildas.
The Matildas stormed into the round of 16 of the tournament on Monday after beating reigning Olympic champions Canada 4-0 last week.
On Monday, Sydney turns green and gold as the Aussie team takes on Denmark in front of a sold-out crowd of around 80,000 fans.
Superstar Sam Kerr did not play in the group stages after an injury to her left calf on the eve of the tournament, but she is set to be let go against Denmark after the team kept fans in the dark over complaints about not giving their rivals a chance. to give. edge.
Wilson was sharply critical of how the team has treated itself and its stars during a Sunday morning TV appearance.
Caroline Wilson has complained about the ‘secrecy’ surrounding the Matildas at their home World Cup, blaming it for the tournament not living up to its potential.
Wilson says there are so many other big stars in the side besides Sam Kerr (pictured in training) but the public can’t get to know them because they’re not allowed to give interviews
“I have to be ruthless, I don’t (think the tournament is over the top),” she told the ABC Offenders program.
“Especially if the Matildas win – and the games have been incredible, don’t get me wrong – but I don’t feel like I know the Matildas any better now than I did a few weeks ago.
“The whole campaign is built around Sam Kerr. There was the shock of not playing.
“There are so many other brilliant players on the team, but because you’re not allowed to give interviews and they’re heavily media-controlled…
“There is an element of secrecy. I understand these are World Cups. You don’t see it in the Olympics and certainly not in the football code I cover (AFL). You don’t think of it as Wimbledon or the British Open Golf.
‘It’s very special. I just want to get to know my team better.’
Football commentator Simon Hill responded to Wilson’s complaints, arguing that the way the Matildas are run is part of “the culture” of a World Cup – and that players are micromanaged and protected as the world’s media all try to gain access to them. to get.
Despite the sold-out crowds and huge TV ratings, the World Cup in Australia has drawn criticism because the vast majority of games are only available to Optus subscribers.
Wilson said there’s an element of secrecy surrounding the Matildas that makes it difficult to get to know them
Simon Hill suggested players are micro-managed because it’s the culture of a World Cup
SBS commentator Lucy Zelic said it was ‘mind-boggling’ that such a huge sporting event had so few football matches available to the public on free TV.
Optus has defended the decision to keep most games behind a paywall.
“Broadcasting rights fees are essential to ensuring the continued growth and equality of women’s sport, contributing to everything from grassroots momentum to salaries for our national players,” a spokesperson told news.com.au.
“This is made possible by broadcasting matches in a combination of free and paid environments, which is normal in the sports landscape.
For example, viewers from the previous host country of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup watched the most games behind a paywall in France, and the most games for the most recent major world sport event hosted in Australia, the Optus representative continued.
“The 2022 Men’s Cricket T20 World Cup (was) behind a paywall on Foxtel/Kayo, as well as most of Australia’s major domestic sports, such as AFL, NRL and cricket.”
Actual ticket sales for the tournament were excellent, with Football Australia announcing ahead of the tournament that more than 1.5 million had been sold – a new benchmark for any FIFA Women’s World Cup event.
Australia has contributed over 1.1 million to total ticket sales, demonstrating the growing interest in women’s football Down Under.