Legacy '23: Local and global football figures headline leadership panels

On March 8, Football Australia concluded Female Football Week by celebrating International Women’s Day and AFC Women’s Football Day - which celebrates women's football across Asia. 

With a focus on the achievements of women in our sport, Football Australia has brought together some of the most influential women and men in the local and global game. 

AFC WFD 2021


Hosted by Stephanie Brantz, the all-star casts were assembled to provide the football community in the Asia-Pacific region access to world leading insights to inspire tomorrow’s leaders. 

Featuring panellists from FIFA, CONCACAF, AFC, FIFPRO and Football Australia, the three online panels cover a range of topics through enlightening and informative conversations on modern leadership from the perspective of football executives, coaches and match officials. 

With Australia co-hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, the nation has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to generate an enduring legacy and empower a new generation of women to lead on and off the pitch. 

Legacy ’23 is Football Australia’s plan to ensure greater female representation in key roles, to shape the future of Australian sport and realise the benefits of the hosting this global event, in particular in the leadership space. 

LEARN MORE: Football Australia unveils ambitious FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ Legacy plan to Government

The Executive Panel features some of football’s leading change agents including:

  • Sarai Bareman, Chief of Women’s Football at FIFA
  • Karina LeBlanc, Head of Women’s Football at CONCACAF
  • Amanda Vandervort, Chief Women’s Football Officer at FIFPRO
  • James Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Football Australia
  • Sarah Walsh, Head of Women’s World Cup Legacy, Football Australia

Knowledge and international experience is hallmark of the esteemed Match Officials Panel that comprises of: 

  • Kari Seitz, FIFA Head of Refereeing – Women
  • Bibiana Steinhaus, Video Assistant Referee at DFB
  • Esfandiar Baharmast, former FIFA Referee and FIFA Referee Instructor
  • Kate Jacewicz, FIFA, AFC and Football Australia Referee


The Coaching Panel imparts almost 60 years of collective experience through:

  • Emma Hayes, Head Coach of Chelsea FC Women
  • Tony Gustavsson, Head Coach of the Westfield Matildas
  • Mel Andreatta, Assistant Coach of the Westfield Matildas