Former A-League footballer Josh Cavallo has made serious allegations of homophobia against his former club, Adelaide United, claiming his playing opportunities were deliberately blocked due to his sexuality.
Allegations of Discrimination
Josh Cavallo, who in 2021 became the first openly gay top-flight male footballer in Australia, stated in a social media post on Monday that his departure from Adelaide United was not related to his footballing ability. The 26-year-old midfielder failed to make a single appearance during the 2024-25 season before leaving the club.
"Leaving the club had nothing to do with football," Cavallo wrote. "Decisions were made by people in power that blocked my opportunities, not because of my talent, but because of who I choose to love." He added that it became clear he "wasn't allowed on the pitch because of politics" and described the realisation that his "own club was homophobic" as "hard to swallow".
Club's Firm Denial
Adelaide United has issued a categorical rejection of the allegations. In a statement, the club said it was "extremely disappointed by the claims" and rejected "any suggestion that Adelaide United is homophobic".
The club emphasised that all team selection decisions are made "solely on footballing grounds". This denial comes as the club prepares to host the A-League's fourth annual Pride Cup match this weekend, an event promoting inclusion in the sport.
A Painful Aftermath and a Fresh Start
Cavallo revealed that the experience in Adelaide left him feeling "incredibly isolated" and made him question his decision to come out publicly. "I felt things going backwards, not just on the pitch, but in the one place I thought was a safe space," he said.
The footballer, who now plays in the semi-professional lower tiers of English football, also disclosed that he received daily death threats following his decision to go public with his sexuality in 2025. He described his move to the UK as a "fresh start" that has helped him "breathe again" and reignite his love for the sport.
