Further turmoil likely at NZF

AUCKLAND: More upheavals are coming for New Zealand Football and last week’s review could be the beginning of another phase of turmoil, rather than the conclusion.

A New Zealand Football board member has resigned in the wake of the release of the Independent Review into NZF and it could be the first of several departures.

The New Zealand Herald understands that executive council member Jon Ormond advised the rest of the executive committee of his decision to resign late last week.

In a statement, Ormond said it came down to a ‘‘conscience vote’’, given the findings of the review.

He also claimed that the position of chairman Deryck Shaw was now ‘‘untenable’’.

‘‘I have resigned from the board of NZF,’’ Ormond said in a statement sent to the board.

‘‘As is now a matter of public record, the recent NZF review also comprised a confidential briefing to the board about matters which fell within the purview of the review but which cannot be published by NZF or the reviewer due to legal constraints, including obligations of confidentiality.

‘‘I formed the view that when read together with the published portion, that the position of the chair, and potentially the board itself was untenable. The collective duty of a board has essentially made this a conscience vote. I respect those board members who prefer to act from the inside to effect change.’’

It is a significant move, and the first time in years that a serving board member has resigned in such a fashion.

The Herald understands that other board members are now considering their positions.

Some are thought to still support Shaw, but others believe that the longtime chairman should step down in light of the review.

There is also an emerging feeling among other football stakeholders among the federations that the entire board should stand for reelection, given the extraordinary circumstances of the last three months.

The review, which was released last Wednesday, contained both explicit and implicit criticism of the board.

The most damning related to the lack of board action around allegations and concerns raised by the Football Ferns and members of the Ferns management team about the conduct of former coach Andreas Heraf.

But of probably equal concern are the circumstances surrounding former chief executive Andy Martin.

Aa plethora of issues were raised over Martin but the terms of his departure from NZF were confidential, which meant it could not be reported on in the review.

Nevertheless, the failure of the board to manage Martin’s performance or hold him to account on various issues over the last few years could ultimately be damning.

Ormond was one of three new members voted on to the board at the NZF Congress at the end of May, along with Garry Carnachan and Johanna Wood.

At the time it was seen as a coup for change, especially as long time councillor Sue Griffin and NZF vicepresident Michael Anderson were voted off at the same time.

The new trio were not part of the board for the period covered by the review, but Ormond clearly believes all should be accountable. — NZME