New Zealand women’s coach on ‘special leave’ after player revolt
WELLINGTON: New Zealand women’s football coach Andreas Heraf was placed on “special leave” Wednesday as officials launched an investigation into his running of the team after a player revolt.
Following complaints from players, New Zealand Football ( NZF) said it had appointed an independent investigator to review the “environment” surrounding the national team. It came as NZF chief executive Andy Martin revealed at a press conference that 13 players had said they no longer wanted to play under the Austrian. “We hold player welfare as a matter of utmost importance and that is why we are conducting a thorough, independent review,” NZF president Deryck Shaw said.
“There is no place for inappropriate behaviour of any kind with New Zealand Football.
“We are very disappointed to be in a position where some of the players from within the Football Ferns have felt the need to formally lodge a complaint with NZ Football and would like to thank them for coming forward.”
Talk of dissatisfaction within the team began circulating after their tour of Spain in March, following which New Zealand’s most- capped player, Abby Erceg, retired in frustration.
Erceg later described the Ferns’ tactics as “cowering in a corner”, saying she would prefer to lose a game while trying to win it.
“That’s my mindset, and if you tell me I can’t do that, then I can no longer represent that shirt with pride or conviction,” she said.