Seven Consulting became the first privately-owned company to sponsor the Matildas in 2017 and last year renewed their partnership for another three years,running through until after the 2023 World Cup on home soil.
The group has a very hands-on partnership with the Matildas,with at leastthree players having undertaken internships with Seven Consulting. Whilst the company was shocked to read about De Vanna’s allegations,founder Declan Boylan was pleased with Football Australia’s decision to have SIA handle all complaints regarding abuse,harassment and misconduct within women’s football.
“To have an independent group look at it is a very good step forward from the FA,” Boylan said. “We are glad it’s being treated seriously and we are fully behind the Matildas with our support for the team and the players.”
The Commonwealth Bank has taken a similar stance,with a spokesperson saying:“We note Football Australia’s comments that it takes a zero-tolerance approach to any conduct of this nature and their commitment that any allegation will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated under the Member Protection Framework.
“We also note Sport Integrity Australia’s development of an independent complaint management process.”
The vote of confidence from the Matildas’ sponsors comes after the core of the team broke their silence around the allegations of harassment and bullying made by De Vanna with the players backing an independent review while defending the current culture of the team as “professional,inclusive and supportive”.