The FCA added: "Whilst FCA acknowledges that Reid has 'unconditionally apologised' for her remarks that caused 'damage, distress and hurt' to Alen, FCA remains extremely disappointed at both the manner in which the termination was executed and the subsequent public remarks made by members of the FFA board and executive in its aftermath.

"The damage inflicted upon Alen was significant. The sustained effort to undermine his character and competency marked a shameful chapter in our sport, not least because of the extraordinary contribution Alen made to the progress of the women’s game in Australia. In the face of these efforts, Alen maintained his integrity.

"FCA remains committed to supporting Alen as he rebuilds his life and his professional career. His legacy, which many past and present Matildas have spoken glowingly of, deserves to be fondly remembered".

FCA President Phil Moss said that it was vitally important for Stajcic to have his name cleared.

“Alen Stajcic today stands vindicated that he did not in fact do anything wrong and that there was no ‘smoking gun’ attached to his termination by FFA," said Moss.

“The narrative and insinuations that surrounded his termination have been proven to have no substance or truth to them.

"While they can never be taken back, the statement by FFA and unconditional apology by FFA director Heather Reid, at the very least, draws a line in the sand. It allows Alen, his family and the game at large to move forward with the looming FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, where our focus turns to seeing Ante Milicic and the Matildas do Australia proud.”