Major Sponsor Hyundai Unhappy With FFA's Handling Of Stajcic

Football Federation Australia "risks straining its relationship" with its largest sponsor over the handling of the sacking of Matildas coach Alen Stajcic, with Hyundai understood to be "unhappy with public reception of the shock move," according to Dominic Bossi of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The Korean car manufacturer is reportedly "concerned by the poor publicity" surrounding Stajcic's dismissal coinciding with an "expensive advertisement campaign" around Australian football. A spokesperson for Hyundai Australia declined to comment on the situation, but a senior source suggested the company is "far from pleased" with the performance of FFA. Hyundai's sponsorship expires next year. The company has been a commercial partner of the organization since '05 and has been the naming rights partner of the A-League since its inception. Hyundai is "not alone" in its unhappiness, with several major stakeholders "concerned with the performance of the FFA board" (SMH, 1/24).