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O'Sullivan was named North Carolina's most valuable player in their championship-winning season this year and the Courage would want to protect their Irish star from potential injury in the W-League.

Her replacement was Chilean striker Maria Rojas who Canberra had released earlier in the season. It means they've released and re-signed two different players this summer.

Canberra coach Heather Garriock refused to offer an explanation following their draw with Brisbane on Thursday night and said she only wanted to speak about the match.

When pressed on the issue and reminded the situation was connected to the match because Rojas came on in the 85th minute, Garriock pointed to the statement sent to members and media just two hours before kick-off.

"Chilean international Maria Jose Rojas, who played for Canberra United earlier in the season, will return to the squad to fill the gap left by the departure of Paige Nielsen," the statement read.

"Denise O’Sullivan’s loan period has not been extended past the initial seven-game guest player stint.

"Canberra United thanks O’Sullivan and her NWSL Club North Carolina Courage for her time in
the W-League and wish them all the best in defending their title in 2019."

Canberra United are run by Capital Football and when it was pointed out to chief executive Phil Brown the statement didn't explain anything he refused to comment on Friday.