Martin quits as NZF boss; may be more fallout
WELLINGTON: New Zealand Football chief executive Andy Martin has quit and may not be the final major victim of player complaints at the top end of the sport.
In a statement, the 51yearold said he was ‘‘retiring’’ after four years in the role to spend more time with his family.
It comes after heavy criticism over how the Englishman dealt with grievances directed at Andreas Heraf, the man Martin unveiled last year as NZF technical director.
Heraf, who is also the women’s national coach, is on leave while a review is conducted into his methods.
Thirteen of the Football Ferns players signed a letter declaring they would not play under Austrian Heraf, who is accused of bullying and creating a culture of fear.
It is alleged Martin did not act on initial player and management concerns aimed at Heraf when the Football Ferns returned from a training camp in Spain in March.
The problems escalated but Heraf continued to be defended by Martin until the review was announced last week.
The departure of Martin may make Heraf’s position untenable, regardless of the result of the review.
All Whites men’s coach Fritz Schmid was a joint MartinHeraf appointment and may also find it difficult to retain his role if NZF opts for a complete cleanout of its topend staff.
NZF chairman Deryck Shaw described Martin’s tenure since February 2014 as a success, pointing to a growth in playing numbers and the organisation’s solid financial base. — AAP