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The crisis surrounding Australian football has deepened with a key member of the sport's governing body stepping aside.
Key points:
- FFA chairman Chris Nikou wishes Ms Reid a "speedy recovery" as she undergoes chemotherapy
- Ms Reid had been described in reports as being a key figure in Stajcic's sacking, a claim she has denied
- Mr Nikou said there had not been an 'anti-Stajcic' group
Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced director Heather Reid would take indefinite leave from the board to undergo chemotherapy.
"Our thoughts are with Heather and her family and we wish her a full and speedy recovery," FFA chairman Chris Nikou said.
Ms Reid, along with the entire FFA board, has been under pressure since the sacking of Matildas coach Alen Stajcic.
It is believed Ms Reid will take no further part in the board's search for a new coach, with that decision expected to be made ahead of the Matildas next big tournament, the Cup of Nations, in late February.
Two of the game's stakeholders — the Association of Australian Football Clubs and Football Supporters Australia — are calling for greater transparency over the sacking of the popular coach.
Stajcic had his contract terminated after a confidential wellness audit and a gender equality culture survey highlighted what has been described as a toxic environment.
Numerous media reports have described Ms Reid as one of a number of women who were campaigning to replace Stajcic with a female coach — a claim she has denied.
In recent days the ABC asked Mr Nikou whether there had been an 'anti-Stajcic' lobby group of former players and others, to which he replied: "No, certainly not."
Sport under greater scrutiny
Privately, there was a significant number who feared the power of what is referred to as 'the lesbian mafia', yet no-one would go public or provide evidence.
Others believe this might be a watershed moment that enables all women in the future — irrespective of their sexual preferences — to feel they are equally valued as part of the football community.
They, too, decline to have their names published, fearing reprisals.
The Matildas controversy has put the spotlight on women's sport at a time when sport in general is under greater scrutiny.
Cricket Australia conducted an investigation into the sports culture and ethics after the ball tampering scandal last year.
Now, Australian football has carried out two separate reviews, which highlighted a culture of fear and anxiety, with some players complaining of being psychologically distressed and afraid to seek help.
The ABC understands there have been allegations of body shaming and homophobic slurs. There is no suggestion Stajcic was the subject of the accusations.
Most players complained of a team culture that did not make them better athletes or people.
The FFA decided a cultural change was needed and the head coach had to go.
Stajcic's supporters said he was the victim of a campaign by some women inside soccer who wanted to remove him.
The ABC has sought comment from Stajcic but he has declined for legal reasons.
Now the governing body finds itself under fire, accused of secrecy, with demands from some fans and media to release the full findings of the investigations that led to Stajcic's dismissal.