Maddy Cusack: FA to ‘assess relevant information’ around Sheffield United player’s death as family’s seven-page complaint comes to light
The FA have confirmed they will “assess the relevant information” surrounding the death of Sheffield United player Maddy Cusack.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Cusack died at the age of 27 in September last year. An inquest into her death was opened and adjourned the following month, while Sheffield United launched an external investigation. In December, it was announced that the investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing by anyone connected with the club, but the FA will now be conducting their own review.
WHAT THE FA SAID
As per The Guardian, an official statement from an FA Spokesperson read: “We were devastated to learn of the passing of Maddy Cusack last September and our thoughts continue to be with her family and loved ones at this very difficult time. Following the conclusion of the club’s independent investigation into the matter, we felt that it would be appropriate to assess the relevant information of the case. This is to understand whether or not any further action is required under our jurisdiction within football, and to establish what, if any, next steps may be appropriate. We are in dialogue with Maddy’s family and the club during this process.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The FA’s statement comes after The Athletic reported the details of the seven-page complaint filed by Cusack’s family after her death. The report includes a wide range of grievances from Cusack’s last seven months with the club, coinciding with Jonathan Morgan’s appointment as head coach. Morgan stepped away from his role while the independent investigation took place in October, but returned to work earlier this month.
WHAT NEXT?
Cusack became Sheffield United’s first women’s player to reach 100 appearances after joining the club in 2019. Tributes were paid at football fields across the country following her terrible death, including Sheffield United’s men’s games and England’s match against Scotland.
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