Former A-League star Josh Cavallo has sensationally claimed he was pressured out of Adelaide United because of his sexuality.
Cavallo, 26, confirmed he was homosexual in October 2021 – and appeared to have the assist of the Reds, who labelled the defender a ‘image of braveness’ following his ground-breaking announcement.
However throughout the 2024–25 A-League season, Cavallo did not make the beginning aspect earlier than leaving the membership on the finish of the season.
On Tuesday, Cavallo declared on Instagram that ‘leaving had nothing to do with soccer’ earlier than bluntly including Adelaide United was a ‘homophobic’ membership in his eyes.
‘It is taken me some time to digest how my time at Adelaide United ended, however I believe the followers deserve honesty,’ his lengthy post began.
‘Leaving the membership had nothing to do with soccer. Selections have been made by folks in energy that blocked my alternatives, not due to my expertise, however due to who I select to like.
Former A-League star Josh Cavallo has sensationally claimed he was pressured out of Adelaide United because of his sexuality
Cavallo, 26, confirmed he was homosexual in October 2021, turning into the world’s solely identified homosexual male skilled footballer nonetheless actively taking part in
Pictured: Cavallo’s prolonged submit, through which he claims he was frozen out ‘because of who he loves’ and that prejudice took a toll on his soccer profession in Australia
‘Underneath the brand new administration, it turned clear that I wasn’t allowed on the pitch due to politics. It is exhausting to swallow once I realised my very own membership was homophobic.
‘I used to be offended as a result of folks thought I used to be sidelined based mostly on accidents, when in actuality, it was inner homophobia that saved me on the bench.
‘I stayed skilled, saved my head down, and labored exhausting day-after-day which I am pleased with.
‘But regardless of how a lot I produced or improved, my contributions have been repeatedly ignored. It introduced plenty of negativity and affected my wellbeing as knowledgeable footballer.
‘This was precisely the worry I had about popping out, seeing prejudice have an effect on my profession in modern-day.’
Cavallo added that being sidelined made him ‘for the primary time query if I ought to have saved my sexuality a secret.’
‘I felt extremely remoted and puzzled if I would made the error of sharing my story,’ his submit continued.
‘I felt issues going backwards, not simply on the pitch, however within the one place I believed was a protected house and after seeing a bunch chat of teammates mocking an image of me and my associate solely added to this heartache.
On Tuesday, Cavallo declared on Instagram that ‘leaving the A-League had nothing to do with soccer’ earlier than bluntly claiming Adelaide United is a ‘homophobic’ membership
When Cavallo departed in Could 2025, Adelaide United described him as a ‘image of braveness’ whose legacy would ‘transcend the sport’
Cavallo is now on the books of Peterborough Sports activities FC, an English Nationwide League North aspect
On January 12, Adelaide United acknowledged in a media launch they’re ‘proud to participate’ on this weekend’s fourth annual Delight Cup match, which ‘reinforces the membership’s dedication to variety and inclusion’ (pictured)
‘This contemporary begin within the UK has helped me breathe once more and I hope I can fall again in love with the game meaning every thing to me.
‘Regardless of the way in which it ended behind the scenes, I refuse to let it wreck my connection to this metropolis.
‘Adelaide is the place I discovered my wings. To the followers and supporters: thanks on your ardour and backing. You deserve honesty and success. You have been unbelievable to play in entrance of. Thanks.’
After taking part in youth soccer with Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Metropolis, Cavallo made his A-League debut with Western United in 2019 earlier than becoming a member of Adelaide two years later.
On Monday, Adelaide United acknowledged in a media launch they’re ‘proud to participate’ on this weekend’s fourth annual Delight Cup match, which ‘reinforces the membership’s dedication to variety, inclusion, and making certain soccer stays a welcoming house for everybody.’
The Delight Cup Match will likely be held in the course of the Adelaide United versus Melbourne Victory conflict on January 17 at Coopers Stadium.
Adelaide United have since responded to Cavallo’s claims.
‘Adelaide United is conscious of an announcement printed on social media by former participant Josh Cavallo,’ an announcement learn.
‘The membership is extraordinarily disenchanted by the claims made and categorically rejects the allegations, together with any suggestion that Adelaide United is homophobic.
‘All on-field selections regarding workforce choice are made solely on footballing grounds.
‘Adelaide United has all the time been dedicated to fostering an inclusive surroundings for gamers, employees and supporters and we stay pleased with our ongoing work to advertise inclusion throughout soccer.
‘The membership won’t be making any additional remark at the moment.’
