An emotional Alen Stajcic has broken his silence in a bid to clear his name and restore his reputation following weeks of what he termed “innuendo and speculation” over the reasons behind his sacking as Matildas coach.

Stajcic released a statement overnight before facing the media on Monday morning to give his side of the story after he claimed in an open letter to the Australian football community that the saga has left his reputation ruined.

Stajcic, who was removed from his post by Football Federation Australia three weeks ago – just five months before the start of the World Cup in France – categorically denies suggestions he oversaw the development of a poor Matildas culture as cited by FFA.

He said he had not had a conversation with anyone within FFA’s executive about team culture until a 20-minute conversation with David Gallop last month. He was dismissed the day after that meeting and said on Monday he is still unaware of the reasons why.

FFA chair Chris Nikou yielded no ground later on Monday and repudiated that claim, saying FFA disagreed with many of his assertions and that Stajcic, in that meeting, admitted to a “dysfunctional” team environment that was “always going to be this way”.

“In those circumstances, we decided to act in time to put the team’s Fifa Women’s World Cup campaign back on track,” Nikou said. “We have been 100% focused on the immediate and long-term well-being of our team and staff. Our decision to act was driven out of care and concern for our players and people. It was, and remains, our sole motivation.”

Stajcic said he had “never witnessed, never participated in and never acquiesced to the participation of others in any impropriety or misconduct relating to players or the Matildas set-up”.

Stajcic claimed FFA had informed him his employment had been terminated without cause and that no actions or behaviours of misconduct could be attributed to him but that it was asserted the Matildas had a “poor culture” and as head coach, he was responsible.

“I wish to make it abundantly clear that during my time as Matildas head coach, over nearly five years, I was not made aware by FFA’s chief executive officer, David Gallop, of the existence of, or the occurrence of, any serious issues of concern within the Matildas set up,” Stajcic said.

“In fact, up until the day before the FFA terminated my employment I have only ever received praise from Mr Gallop both publicly and privately. I still do not know the reason(s) why my employment was terminated ...”.

Pausing to compose himself on several occasions when reading out his statement, particularly when referencing the effect the saga has had on his family, Stajcic admitted it had been extremely tough.

“The events of the last few weeks have have devastated both me and my family,” Stajcic said. “My career is in tatters and my reputation has been ruined.”

Stajcic said he had also reviewed a culture survey cited by FFA in his dismissal and conducted by Professional Footballers Australia and found it to be “materially and hopelessly flawed in its design and delivery”.

“I questioned the validity, reliability and integrity of the results on multiple occasions,” Stajcic said. He said he had told Gallop as much during their meeting and he remains unsure who actually completed the survey.

“The clarity and transparency is a big issue here,” he said. “There’s certainly been a lack of due process.

“The way this has been handled in the media hasn’t done me any good and hasn’t done the game any good. Moving forward I think an independent review is required.”

But he stopped short of calling for Gallop’s head. “It’s not for me to talk about David Gallop,” he said. “There are their own issues within FFA. I’m here to clear my name and reputation.”

Stajcic confirmed he has taken legal advice on “potential defamation and the breach of contractual obligations by the FFA”.

Stajcic said a large number of Matildas had been in touch with him privately to offer their support. One, star striker Sam Kerr, arrived back in Perth after her W-League exploits and said she was just as unaware of the reasons behind his sacking as everyone else.

“I spoke with Staj and just said I’m here for him and his family. He’s not just a coach for me, they’re friends,” Kerr said.

“It could have been handled a bit better, maybe,” she added. “We don’t know the details and don’t know what’s gone on. It’s unclear to everyone. We’re in the same boat as everyone.”