Football Australia announces extension of James Johnson contract as Chief Executive until 2024

The Board of Football Australia has revealed that the contract of James Johnson as Chief Executive has been extended until the end of 2024.

Joining Football Australia in January 2020 on a three-year contract, a statement from the board advised that “since being appointed, Johnson has served with distinction, despite a period of great volatility almost immediately upon commencing in the role, with COVID-19 taking its toll on the Australian football community and the Australian community at large.”

The contract extension will see Johnson remain in charge through the FIFA World Cup 2022, FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, AFC Asian Cup 2023 and the Paris Olympics in 2024.

The extension will also allow Johnson to continue to lead the work being undertaken with Football Australia’s 15-year vision embodied by the XI Principles for the future of Australian football, as well as the bold and ambitious Legacy ’23 plan to leave an everlasting legacy for the sport beyond the global tournament being held on our shores in a year’s time, a key priority of Football Australia.

Noting that the Board was unanimous in reaching the decision to extend Johnson’s contract, Football Australia Chair, Chris Nikou stated “James’s tenure since January 2020 has coincided with a period of great progress and development and on behalf our board, I am delighted to confirm that James will remain in the chair until the end of 2024.

“We knew that he was a visionary and collaborative leader who brought a great understanding of the game from a global perspective and importantly a local one.”

Withdrawal from AFC U20 Asian Cup
Football Australia has advised the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) that it will be withdrawing from the AFC U20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022™ Qualifiers scheduled to be held in Basra, Iraq from 10th to 18th September.

The final decision was made after careful consideration based upon the current travel advice of the Australian Government.

To ensure Australia’s best emerging footballers continue to be exposed to high level international competition, Football Australia is currently exploring the opportunity of the Young Socceroos competing in a four nations tournament in Spain during the September FIFA window.

Image: James Johnson. Credit: Football Australia.