Former Brisbane Roar defender Josh McCloughan has been convicted of indecently touching a 14-year-old girl in August last year.
The 43-year-old pleaded guilty to the charge at a Brisbane District Court on Thursday and explained how his life had taken a bad turn as a result of alcohol.
It's claimed that McCloughan, who was a foundation Roar player, had more than 25 drinks and an unprescribed valium on the day of the incident.
McCloughan, who turned to coaching after retiring as a player in 2010, was briefly involved in the Socceroos scouting set-up under Ange Postecoglou and had held a position with the Roar youth team.
While set to avoid jail after being handed a six-month suspended jail sentence, the conviction means McCloughan's involvement in football is all but over.
"This is a very significant consequence for someone who has devoted their adult life to this sport," Judge Jennifer Rosengren said.
"He is obviously genuinely remorseful. In fact, I'd go as far to say he's been gutted by his conduct."