One especially serious allegation in Merrick's claim is that, during a December 2024 board meeting, Garriock called him 'old' and 'old school', and suggested that he should retire.
In emails sent to then-CEO James Johnson, Merrick complained of Garriock 'imposing herself' and 'continuing to interfere' within the technical department, which made him unable to perform his duties.
He also claimed Garriock wanted 'too much input' into the department's day-to-day operations and would give directions to his direct reports, leading him to question his job security because 'it seemed Garriock wanted his job'.
Merrick also claims he made a whistleblower disclosure to Mr Johnson regarding the appointment process of coaches for the Under-17s and Under-20s women's national teams.
In an email sent on April 14, 2025, Merrick raised concerns that the appointments involved 'misconduct' and 'an improper state of affairs', alleging Garriock caused or contributed to the appointments being made outside the proper recruitment process.
In the same email, Merrick cited the 'close connection' between Garriock and the coaches who were appointed.
He would go on to raise these concerns on a separate occasion.
According to court documents, Football Australia initiated an investigation in April into various matters, including allegations concerning Garriock's conduct.
Following Garriock's appointment as interim CEO in May 2025, Merrick queried whether the investigation would continue in an email dated May 19.
Exactly one month later, while attending an overseas conference, Merrick was called into a video meeting with Garriock and an HR representative and informed that his role was being made redundant.
Two days later, on June 20, Merrick was informed his employment was terminated, effective July 4.
In May, anonymous staff survey results described Football Australia as a 'toxic, chaotic and negative' workplace, with 'perceived favouritism' and poor psychological safety and trust.
