Josh Cavallo, Australia’s first openly gay professional footballer, has accused A-League club Adelaide United of homophobia during his time with the team. Cavallo said he faced discriminatory behavior behind the scenes, which he claims affected his mental health and enjoyment of football and ultimately contributed to his decision to leave the club. The 26-year-old made the allegations public on Tuesday, sparking widespread discussion across the football community.
Adelaide United has strongly denied the claims, rejecting the accusations and stating that the club does not tolerate discrimination of any kind. Cavallo made history in 2021 when he came out as gay, becoming the only openly gay male player competing in a top-flight men’s league at the time. His announcement was widely praised and seen as a landmark moment for inclusivity in sport.
Following his coming out, Cavallo received strong support from across the football world, with stars such as Antoine Griezmann, Marcus Rashford, Raphael Varane, Gerard Pique, and David de Gea publicly backing him.
According to AFP, Cavallo had previously spoken highly of Adelaide United, describing the club as providing 'a safe space in football'. In 2024, he also proposed to his partner on the pitch, highlighting what was then seen as a supportive and inclusive environment at the A-League club.
However, in a lengthy social media post, Cavallo alleged that his playing opportunities in his final years at the club were 'blocked' because of his sexuality.
"It's taken me a while to digest how my time at Adelaide United ended but I think the fans deserve honesty," Cavallo, who left the club in May after limited game time in his final two seasons, wrote on Instagram.
"Leaving the club had nothing to do with football. Decisions were made by people in power that blocked my opportunities, not because of my talent, but because of who I choose to love.
"Under new management it became clear that I wasn't allowed on the pitch because of politics. It's hard to swallow when I realised my own club was homophobic. I was angry because people thought I was sidelined based on injuries, when in reality, it was internal homophobia that kept me on the bench."
In response to the claims, Adelaide United strongly and angrily denied the allegations.
"The club is extremely disappointed by the claims made and categorically rejects the allegations, including any suggestion that Adelaide United is homophobic," it said in a statement.
"All on-field decisions relating to team selection are made solely on footballing grounds.
"Adelaide United has always been committed to fostering an inclusive environment for players, staff and supporters and we remain proud of our ongoing work to promote inclusion across football."
Adelaide United has strongly denied the claims, rejecting the accusations and stating that the club does not tolerate discrimination of any kind. Cavallo made history in 2021 when he came out as gay, becoming the only openly gay male player competing in a top-flight men’s league at the time. His announcement was widely praised and seen as a landmark moment for inclusivity in sport.
Following his coming out, Cavallo received strong support from across the football world, with stars such as Antoine Griezmann, Marcus Rashford, Raphael Varane, Gerard Pique, and David de Gea publicly backing him.
According to AFP, Cavallo had previously spoken highly of Adelaide United, describing the club as providing 'a safe space in football'. In 2024, he also proposed to his partner on the pitch, highlighting what was then seen as a supportive and inclusive environment at the A-League club.
However, in a lengthy social media post, Cavallo alleged that his playing opportunities in his final years at the club were 'blocked' because of his sexuality.
"It's taken me a while to digest how my time at Adelaide United ended but I think the fans deserve honesty," Cavallo, who left the club in May after limited game time in his final two seasons, wrote on Instagram.
"Leaving the club had nothing to do with football. Decisions were made by people in power that blocked my opportunities, not because of my talent, but because of who I choose to love.
"Under new management it became clear that I wasn't allowed on the pitch because of politics. It's hard to swallow when I realised my own club was homophobic. I was angry because people thought I was sidelined based on injuries, when in reality, it was internal homophobia that kept me on the bench."
In response to the claims, Adelaide United strongly and angrily denied the allegations.
"The club is extremely disappointed by the claims made and categorically rejects the allegations, including any suggestion that Adelaide United is homophobic," it said in a statement.
"All on-field decisions relating to team selection are made solely on footballing grounds.
"Adelaide United has always been committed to fostering an inclusive environment for players, staff and supporters and we remain proud of our ongoing work to promote inclusion across football."
