James Johnson is the CEO of Football Australia, the governing body of football in Australia. He has been in the role of CEO since January 2020.
James’ early career began as a professional footballer, playing at youth level for various clubs. He represented Boston University’s football team throughout his time there as an undergraduate, completing his degree in business administration with a minor in finance. He then continued to play at club level for the Brisbane Strikers until 2007. James then decided to pursue a new career in law, graduating with an Honours as a Juris Doctor before completing a legal diploma at the College of Law in Australia. As a lawyer, he practiced in the private sector in corporate governance, industrial relations, and commercial litigation.

In 2011, James was able to combine his love for football with business when he joined the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), as a player relations executive. That same year, he was appointed as the Director of International Relations and development at the Asian Football Confederation in Malaysia, where he oversaw relationships with Asia’s 46 national associations.
He next joined FIFA in 2013 before being appointed as Head of Professional Football two years later. Throughout his time at FIFA, James managed the secretariat of the Football Stakeholders Committee and established strong relationships with international clubs, leagues, and players.

In 2018, he joined the City Football Group in the UK, as senior vice president of external affairs, where he worked until being appointed as CEO for Football Australia.
Since joining the federation, James has evolved the sport across the nation, introducing and developing new strategies such as their “XI Principles for the future of Australian football” and the “Legacy 23’” programme. In February 2024, Football Australia released a comprehensive post-tournament report on the Legacy ‘23 strategy, marking a significant milestone in the journey of Australian football.

James is now leading key initiatives for Australian football including the digital transformation of community football in Australian football; creating new national-level competitions (men and women) and reimagining Australian football products as the game adapts to the evolving habits of football participants; introducing a new player transfer system; continuing to grow the commercial revenues for the sport, and building Australian football’s men’s and women’s national team (Socceroos and Matildas) into global iconic sports brand.

Sarah Walsh was appointed Head of AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Office for Football Australia in March 2024, following the announcement that Football Australia would host the Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

Sarah Walsh is a former Australian international athlete with 70 caps and 35 international goals for the Matildas. She has a decorated career including appearances in the 2004 Olympics and 2007 FIFA World Cup. She clinched victory at the 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Since then, Sarah has evolved into an accomplished sports executive, Logie-nominated commentator, and compelling public speaker. Her firsthand experience in high-performance sports has translated into advocating for pay equity and inclusion, spearheading innovation in governance and policy driving social change at all levels of football.

Notably, as Head of Women’s Football for Football Australia, she influenced the strategy that generated a staggering $398M for football’s World Cup leveraging strategy through government and commercial investment, with an additional $200M earmarked to improve community infrastructure for women and girls across all sports. As hosts of the most commercial FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Matildas shattered attendance and viewership records, drawing over 11 million viewers during the semi-final against England, making it the single highest rating TV program of all time.
Recently ranked 22nd on News Corps’ list of 100 most influential women in sport, Sarah’s illustrious playing and professional career converge in this pivotal moment.