Sam Kerr's 'sincere regret' over actions that led to court battle as Matildas leadership addressed

Football Australia will take no further action against Sam Kerr after the superstar striker was found not guilty by a London jury last month after being charged with racially aggravated harassment of a UK police officer.

A statement from Football Australia on Monday morning outlined that members of its board met with Kerr to discuss the full context of those events, with the Perth product admitting "sincere regret" for her actions.

In the meeting, Kerr acknowledged the implications of her behaviour, especially concerning Football Australia's code of conduct.

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"I want to express my sincere regret for how events unfolded," Kerr said in the statement.

"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.

"I recognise that leadership means being mindful of our actions both on and off the pitch.

"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. Moving forward, I'm focused on doing my part to ensure we grow even stronger together, and I look forward to having the opportunity of rejoining the team once I'm fit and ready."

Kerr's off-field behaviour has sparked debate as to whether she is fit to be reinstated as captain of the Matildas.

With the saga now closed, it appears Kerr will remain captain upon her return to the national team from a long injury lay-off after rupturing her ACL in January 2024.

"Sam remains a valued member of the Matildas, recognised by her teammates for her leadership qualities," football development committee chair and Football Australia board member Heather Garriock said.

"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."

Kerr has joined the Matildas training camp for the upcoming FIFA international window after being granted leave by her Women's Super League club, Chelsea.

However, it looks unlikely that Kerr will make her return to the pitch until after the window as she continues to work through her return-to-play program under the supervision of the Matildas' performance support team.

While Kerr was named in Chelsea's squad for its Champions League quarter final and has trained with the team, coach Sonia Bompastor confirmed that the 31-year-old would not don the blue jersey until after the international break.

With the latest delay at club level, Kerr was left out of Tom Sermanni's squad for the Matildas' upcoming friendlies against South Korea.

"While she may participate in selected training activities, Kerr has not yet been cleared for competitive football, with her focus remaining on health, progression, and long-term readiness," Football Australia's statement read.