Football Australia Opens Door for Sam Kerr's Return as Matildas Captain

Chelsea and Australia star Sam Kerr exits Kingston Crown Court in south London following a court hearing in February 2025. Photo|AFP

Sam Kerr moves closer to returning to the Matildas after meeting with Football Australia, following a year-long injury layoff.

Sam Kerr's potential return as Matildas captain has been given the green light by Football Australia. The organization announced that it won't take any further action against Kerr regarding a drunken altercation in the UK, which had landed her in court. This decision paves the way for Kerr's possible reinstatement as captain, a role she held before a serious knee injury sidelined her.

Kerr had been found not guilty of racially aggravated abuse in February, following an incident in 2023 where she called a police officer “stupid and white.” The Chelsea forward has been working on her recovery and recently joined the Matildas training camp to continue her rehabilitation. Although she hasn't been cleared for competitive football yet, Kerr's return to the team is imminent.

Football Australia's decision was accompanied by a statement from board member Heather Garriock, who emphasized that Kerr “remains a valued member of the Matildas, recognised by her teammates for her leadership qualities.” Kerr herself expressed regret over the incident and is focused on rejoining the team once she's fit and ready.

Football Australia has addressed the situation surrounding Sam Kerr, acknowledging that the 31-year-old has recognized the “far-reaching implications” of her actions. According to board member Heather Garriock, “Sam remains a valued member of the Matildas, recognised by her teammates for her leadership qualities.”

Following a serious knee injury in 2024, defender Steph Catley took over the Australia captaincy. Football Australia expressed its support for Kerr's return to the national side, with Garriock stating, “We look forward to the opportunity of welcoming her back once she is fit and ready, and we fully support her ongoing journey in Australian football.”

#BREAKING: Sam Kerr is BACK in the Matildas squad, but she won't be taking the field just yet...

Kerr has been cleared to join the Matildas' camp in the upcoming international window (between March 31 and April 8) but will be with the squad in a train-on capacity as she has not… pic.twitter.com/FzSWJyQdBd

— 10 Sport (@10SportAU) March 30, 2025

Kerr recently met with Football Australia officials to discuss her future with the national team. In a statement, Kerr expressed her regret for her past actions, saying, “I want to express my sincere regret for how events unfolded.” She acknowledged the difficulties caused by her actions, stating, ”It was an incredibly difficult period for me, my club, my teammates, and especially for the fans whose support means so much to us.” Kerr also recognized the importance of leadership, adding, “I recognise that leadership means being mindful of our actions both on and off the pitch.”

In January 2023, Sam Kerr and her partner, Kristie Mewis, a West Ham midfielder, were out drinking when they were driven to Twickenham Police Station by a taxi driver. The driver had complained that they had refused to pay clean-up costs after one of them vomited in the vehicle.

 

Sam Kerr is BACK with @TheMatildas 🇦🇺

After meeting with the Football Australia board, Sam Kerr will retain her Matildas captaincy and join the team in their upcoming camp as part of her return-to-play program 👏 pic.twitter.com/bdA5kCpGVs

— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) March 31, 2025

An incident unfolded at the police station, captured on police body cam footage, where Kerr was seen arguing with an officer. The footage showed Kerr calling the officer “stupid and white.” However, Kerr argued in court that she did not use the officer's “whiteness as an insult,” and she was ultimately cleared of racially aggravated abuse.

Despite being cleared of the charges, the judge noted that Kerr's behavior had played a significant role in the allegation being brought against her. The judge stated that Kerr's behavior “contributed significantly to the bringing of this allegation.”

Sam Kerr has been sidelined from football for over a year, recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. As part of her rehabilitation, Kerr has joined the current Matildas training camp, with Football Australia stating that this was agreed upon by her club, Chelsea. According to Football Australia, “While she may participate in selected training activities, Kerr has not yet been cleared for competitive football.”

The Matildas are set to face South Korea in two home friendlies, providing an opportunity for Kerr to potentially return to competitive action. The first match is scheduled for Friday in Sydney, followed by the second match next Monday in Newcastle.