An independent review into the conduct and culture of the Football Ferns has substantiated complaints made by players against former coach Andreas Heraf.
Led by former employment lawyer Phillipa Muir, the investigation involved interviews with around 80 people – including the 12 players who made the initial complaints against Heraf, former CEO Andy Martin, and Heraf himself.
Heraf resigned from his roles as Ferns coach and technical director at the end of July, after he was placed on special leave following a dozen formsal complaints from players who refused to play for him due to alleged bullying, intimidation and negative on-field tactics.
Muir determined that the former Football Ferns head coach had breached NZ Football’s code of conduct – specifically in regards to its policies on harassment and bullying.
She also found that the national body shares responsibility, having not investigated concerns raised by staff following team tours and not sufficiently supported the then head coach when he arrived in NZ.
"I have significant concerns around the High Performance environment and some of NZ Football’s structure, processes and resourcing, in particular in Human Resources and recruitment," said Muir.
"There has not been sufficient focus by the organisation on player welfare, particularly for its High Performance teams, in recent years."
Muir has subsequently issued 22 wide-reaching recommendations relating to player welfare and culture, stucture and governance, and cultural and diversity issues.
NZ Football President Deryck Shaw extended an apology to complainants and pledged to meet with them to discuss the review's findings and recommendations.
"The NZ Football ExCo accepts the report and its recommendations in full and will now focus on working with management, our players and key stakeholders to ensure implementation of the report, its findings and recommendations," said Shaw.
"We are committed to working with players and staff to improve player welfare, and to rebuild trust and engagement among players, staff and key football stakeholders."
Heraf fired back at the allegations against him after returning to his native Austria, saying they were part of a "large scale conspiracy against him", while also questioning the players' commitment to high performance sport.
Newshub.
