NZF conduct, culture reviewed
Employment lawyer Phillipa Muir will lead an independent review into the conduct and culture of New Zealand Football, it was announced yesterday.
The governing body’s executive committee called for the review two weeks ago. It was initially set to consider the environment of the Football Ferns under coach Andreas Heraf, following complaints from 13 players and one former staff member about him, but its scope has since expanded.
NZ Football said it ‘‘has received a number of written complaints which raise allegations about the conduct of NZF people’’. Former chief executive Andy Martin, who resigned last week, is understood to be one of those people.
The terms of reference for the review call on Muir to find whether any of those allegations can be substantiated, then to determine whether any workplace bullying, inappropriate workplace conduct or behaviour, or breaches of the NZ Football code of conduct have taken place.
Regardless of whether any allegations are substantiated, Muir will also assess what NZ Football knew about them, and when, and whether the organisation’s response ‘‘was adequate and appropriate’’.
NZ Football president Deryck Shaw said in a statement that the governing body’s executive committee, which he heads, and the Players Association had agreed a broader review was necessary, ‘‘to improve the future of football in New Zealand’’.
‘‘The terms of reference task Ms Muir with investigating any complaints and advising whether there have been any breaches to the NZ Football code of conduct or inappropriate behaviour by New Zealand Football people.
‘‘She will also make any recommendations she believes are appropriate.’’
Muir is a senior partner at law firm Simpson Grierson, and heads its employment law group.
She is expected to present her report and recommendations to NZ Football by the end of August.
‘‘The terms of reference task Ms Muir with investigating any complaints and advising whether there have been any breaches to the NZ Football code of conduct . . .’’
NZ Football president Deryck Shaw
While Muir will compile a summary of her findings, only the outcomes and recommendations of her review will be made public.
It will be up to NZ Football’s executive committee to determine any penalties, if allegations against any of its employees are substantiated.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Football has publicly apologised for an incorrect statement Martin made about former Football Ferns manager Claire Hamilton.
Martin’s comments were made during a press conference on June 20, following the announcement that Heraf had been put on leave while an investigation into the team environment under him took place.
In response to a question about Hamilton raising issues following the Ferns’ Spain camp in March, Martin said: ‘‘Through a member of staff’s exit review, there was a mention in that exit interview [that] they were uncomfortable with the culture that was happening on tour but that was wrapped up in performance management issue around the individual so it’s difficult to comment further on that one.’’
NZ Football yesterday said that Martin’s comments about a ‘‘performance management issue around the individual’’ were ‘‘factually totally incorrect’’.
‘‘Quite the opposite. New Zealand Football are pleased to take this opportunity to apologise to the former New Zealand [Football] staff member for making such a statement.’’
Hamilton resigned as manager following the tour of Spain after five years in the role, where she was valued member of the team.
She said she was pleased NZ Football had acknowledged ‘‘that the statements made about me were incorrect and unfair’’.
‘‘I am very grateful to those that have been supportive and provided assistance over the last couple of weeks.
‘‘The focus now needs to be on the welfare and performance of the players and I’m looking forward to the review process taking place.’’
Martin’s resignation from his role as NZ Football chief executive was announced on June 29.