‘Rare combination’: Football Australia has chosen ex-boss Stan as its new chief executive

So will his financial acumen, with the FA reeling from an $8.5 million loss in the last financial year.

“There is no sport in the country that can match soccer’s existing domestic and international footprint or the potential for further growth inherent in our game,” Kugeler said in a statement.

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead Football Australia as CEO and help us realize our potential with a clear ambition to drive growth and achieve new heights in the sport we love.

“I will lead a team with a strong focus on innovation, robust professional structures and enhanced commercial results to drive investment back into the game.

“Soccer is the most attended sport in Australia. Our national teams – the Matildas, Socceroos and youth teams – are exceptional, truly global and unify not just the soccer community but the nation. Soccer has an unrivaled passionate community of players, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters.”

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“I very much look forward to working closely and collaboratively with all stakeholders of our game: our member federations, the Women’s Council, local clubs, players, coaches, referees, volunteers, the APL as well as our commercial partners, governments and our international federations FIFA and AFC.”

Prior to working for Stan, Kugeler worked as a strategic consultant across a range of industries in Australia and overseas, as well as holding finance and strategy leadership positions at global media company Bertelsmann.

Former Matilda Heather Garriock, who has been acting as interim chief executive since Johnson’s departure, will take on the powerful new dual role of FA deputy chief executive and chief executive of football – essentially putting her in charge of those elements of the FA’s business in which Kugeler has less experience.

Garriock stepped down from the FA board to replace Johnson on a temporary basis and was one of the frontrunners to take the job on a permanent basis, but it appears he will be lined up for it at some point in the future.

“Today is an important day for Australian football. The global search was independent and highly competitive and I am delighted to welcome Martin Kugeler as our new CEO of Football Australia,” FA chairman Anter Isaac said.

“Martin brings to Football Australia a wealth of professional experience in operational excellence, innovation, finance, strategy and global media – a rare combination that will deliver results for football in Australia.

“I have no doubt that he will continue to raise the bar on how we do things and what we can achieve together with all our stakeholders both domestically and internationally.”

More to come