A-League club denies ‘internal homophobia’ claims by ex-player

Adelaide United has hit back at allegations of “internal homophobia” from former player Joshua Cavallo, who alleged the A-League club deliberately sidelined him because of his sexuality and that a picture of him and his partner was mocked by teammates in a group chat.

Cavallo dropped a bombshell on Tuesday morning with an Instagram post in which he detailed his version of the events that led to his departure from Adelaide United - the same club that he credited with fostering an “inclusive environment” that enabled him to come out as gay more than four years ago.

Former Adelaide United player Joshua Cavallo. Credit: Getty

“Leaving the club had nothing to do with football,” he wrote alongside an image with his fiancé, Leighton Morrell, at Coopers Stadium, Adelaide’s home ground.

“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 the 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.

“I stayed professional, kept my head down, and worked hard every day which I’m proud of. Yet no matter how much I produced or improved, my contributions were continuously ignored.”

Adelaide United released a statement in response, strongly disputing the claims of Cavallo, 26, who now plays semi-professional football in England.

“The club is extremely disappointed by the claims made and categorically rejects the allegations, including any suggestion that Adelaide United is homophobic. All on-field decisions relating to team selection are made solely on footballing grounds,” the statement said.

“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.

“Strengthening inclusivity must remain an ongoing focus for the game, and the club looks forward to hosting the fourth annual Pride Cup this weekend against Melbourne Victory.”

A-League player Josh Cavallo publicly came out in 2021.Credit: Getty Images

The Pride Cup match - which was formally announced by Adelaide United on Monday - is an initiative that Cavallo himself helped bring to life.

“No matter who we are, who we love, or how we identify, we all deserve to play the sports we love without fear of mistreatment, exclusion, or harm,” said Hayley Conway, the CEO of Pride Cup, in a statement released after Cavallo’s post went live.

“Josh Cavallo has shown immense courage in sharing his truth, as he did when he first chose to come out. His experiences reflect the reality that LGBTIQ+ people can still face immense challenges even after they reach these public milestones.”

Professional Footballers Australia, the A-League’s players union, also released a statement praising Cavallo for helping create a “more inclusive environment” in Australian football.

‘It was internal homophobia that kept me on the bench.’

“Josh’s courage has been vital in creating a more inclusive environment in Australian football,” said PFA chief executive Beau Busch.

“We will continue to ensure Josh and all our members are fully supported to be their authentic selves.

“Significant progress has been made thanks to the bravery of players like Josh, along with initiatives like this weekend’s Pride Cup, and crucial advocacy and education provided by groups like Pride Cup.

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“However, it is equally important to acknowledge that there is still plenty of work to do to tackle homophobia in sport and across the broader community.”

Cavallo announced he was gay in 2021, becoming the first active top-flight men’s footballer in the world to do so.

Last season, he did not play a match for Adelaide United, and when his exit was announced in May 2025, the club praised him for the “legacy” he was leaving behind, while he expressed his gratitude for “embracing me and allowing me to live authentically.”

But in his Instagram post, he said his “heartache” about his lack of minutes was exacerbated after learning of a “group chat of teammates mocking a picture of me and my partner”.

During his time at Adelaide, sources speaking on the condition of anonymity said there were tensions behind the scenes over conflicts between Cavallo’s football commitments and his off-field demands, which exponentially increased after he came out and was congratulated for his bravery by some of the world’s biggest clubs, players and brands.

Sources also confirmed that in March 2022, Cavallo was handed a one-match internal suspension for travelling interstate to appear at a sponsored event while he was injured, without first informing the club’s hierarchy. The ban was kept secret by the club to protect Cavallo.

He has since relocated to the United Kingdom and first signed for Peterborough Sports, and then, last month, joined Stamford AFC, who play in England’s sixth and eighth tiers respectively.

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