Sam Kerr will return to the Matildas after a meeting with the Football Australia board and may have the chance to regain her role as captain.
She has not been cleared to play play due to an injury but has been approved to participate in select training activities.
Kerr’s meeting came after she was found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment of a police officer in the UK.
“I want to express my sincere regret for how events unfolded,” Kerr said in a joint statement with the FA board.
“Moving forward, I’m focused on doing my part to ensure we grow even stronger together, and I look forward to having the opportunity to rejoin the team once I’m fit and ready.”
UOW UniActive Sports Program Manager and longtime footballer James Pendrigh, who has played for various international teams and is working on a new program for female athletes in the Illawarra, said Kerr may welcome not being named captain.
“Being a captain for a national team like the Matildas adds a lot of pressure,” Pendrigh said.
“It could be an opportunity for her to focus on her game and not have to worry about anything else.”
During Kerr’s absence, Stephanie-Elise Catley has captained the Matildas through the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and other international fixtures.
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