<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>341490</docID> <postdate>2025-03-31 10:05:27</postdate> <headline>Kerr keeps Matildas captaincy after FA board meeting</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-341491" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20231029001857978415-original-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>After overcoming her long-term knee injury, Sam Kerr will return as Matildas skipper. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Anna Harrington</strong> and <strong>Melissa Woods</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Sam Kerr has avoided being stripped of the Matildas' captaincy after meeting with the Football Australia board, with the superstar striker finally joining the Australian women's team in camp.</strong></p> <p>Kerr, will link up with teammates in a non-playing capacity in Sydney this week after addressing her recent UK court case, where she was found not guilty on one charge of racially-aggravated harassment of a police officer.</p> <p>Kerr, who hasn't played since tearing her ACL during a Chelsea training camp in January last year, spoke of her "regret" for the incident, with the FA board concluding that it warranted no further action.</p> <p>"I want to express my sincere regret for how events unfolded," Kerr said in an FA statement.</p> <p>"It was an incredibly difficult period for me, my family, my club, my teammates, and especially for the fans whose support means so much to us.</p> <p>"I recognise that leadership means being mindful of our actions both on and off the pitch.</p> <p>"I'm proud of the Matildas, the role I have played as a member of that team, and everything we stand for, and I'm committed to learning from this experience."</p> <p>Crucially, it means Kerr's captaincy, which she has held since 2019, has been settled before the Matildas' next coach is appointed.</p> <p>Tony Gustavsson's permanent replacement is expected to be in place by mid-year.</p> <p>Interim coach Tom Sermanni, who debuted Kerr, 31, as a 15-year-old in 2009, will oversee the striker's first camp since February's high-profile court case.</p> <p>Kerr was charged after calling a police officer "f***ing stupid and white" late in an hour-long altercation at Twickenham police station in the early hours of January 30, 2023.</p> <p>That followed a taxi journey that went sour when a drunk Kerr vomited out of the window.</p> <p>The altercation with police turned heated after it became clear the officers did not believe Kerr and fiancee Kristie Mewis' telling of events.</p> <p>FA were blindsided when Kerr's charge came to light in March 2024.</p> <p>On Monday, FA noted the incident had "implications" in relation to its code of conduct, but stopped short of saying Kerr had breached it.</p> <p>Chairman Anter Isaac said the incident shouldn't overshadow Kerr's contribution to the game.</p> <p>"Knowing how Sam (Kerr) feels about the events, along with the additional context we've learned, has added vital perspective that the general public may not be aware of," said Isaac.</p> <p>"Setting aside those difficulties, this one incident should not offset the incredible contributions she has made, both publicly and privately, on and off the field – for more than 15 years."</p> <p>As part of her return-to-play program, Kerr has joined the Matildas for the March 31-April 8 international window.</p> <p>Granted leave by Chelsea, she will continue her rehabilitation under the supervision of the Matildas' performance support team.</p> <p>Australia's greatest goal scorer Kerr has not yet been cleared for competitive football.</p> <p>But the Matildas will be hopeful she's available to face Argentina in Melbourne on May 30 and Canberra on June 2.</p> </body>