She over as head of the Matildas in January 2013 following former coach Tom Sermanni's move to the world number one ranked United States team.

The former Dutch international, won 43 caps, is known for her tough, uncompromising style, a world away from that of Sermanni.

The style brought discontent and divisions in the women's squad as players began to revolt against her tough disciplinary line, especially when it came to taking out contracts abroad and a refusal to allow for family commitments.

Tensions are said to have boiled over in a recent tournament in Cyprus when players were not allowed to leave the hotel unless with the entire squad for training purposes.

Players, many of whom are part of Professional Football Australia (PFA), a union for footballers in the country, turned to this union in order to voice their concerns to the Football Federation Australia (FFA).

FFA chief executive David Gallop claimed that de Rues' departure was as down to "issues that couldn't be resolved by the current coach".

He added: "It's never easy.

"But you also need to consider where you're at and what the alternatives are and we felt we had no choice."

The departure of Hesterine de Reus come just a month before Australia look to defend the title they won at the 2010 Women's Asian Cup in China ©ChinaFotoPress/Getty Images



Following de Rues' departure, Sydney FC Westfield W-League head coach Alen Stajcic has been appointed as interim head coach of the Matildas ahead of the women's Asian Cup in Vietnam from May 14 to 25.

The Matildas will be hoping to defend the title they won in China in 2010 and book a spot in the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada.

A statement from the FFA has said that "A comprehensive review of the Matildas programme, including the head coach position, will be conducted after the tournament."

This review could see the re-appointment of former coach Sermanni after his surprise sacking from the US job earlier this month, just 15 months into his tenure.

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