An independent investigator will be appointed by the New Zealand Football Executive Committee (EXCO), in association with the NZ Professional Footballers Association (NZPFA), to review the Football Ferns environment.

New Zealand Football received a letter from the NZPFA on Monday with a number of complaints from the players of the Football Ferns, another letter followed from a previous staff member.

Football Ferns coach and NZ Football Technical Director Andreas Heraf has been given a notice of investigation with a proposal for suspension, in the meantime he is on special leave with immediate effect from his roles until the completion of the necessary employment processes.

“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,” said New Zealand Football President Deryck Shaw.

“We hold player welfare as a matter of utmost importance and that is why we are conducting a thorough, independent review. We want to ensure we better understand these issues in an objective review.  There is no place for inappropriate behaviour of any kind with New Zealand Football. 

“New Zealand Football has clear policies and procedures to protect the welfare of staff and players.  We are focused on creating an environment which gives the Football Ferns, and all of our national teams, the best chance of winning on the world stage.”

The review will commence this week with the appointment of an independent investigator.  The terms of reference under which the investigator is engaged, and the individual appointed to conduct the investigation, will be signed off by the NZPFA.

There will be a press conference today with New Zealand Football President Deryck Shaw and New Zealand Football Chief Executive Andy Martin at the Referees Lounge of QBE Stadium.

New Zealand Football will make no further comment after the press conference today to allow the investigator to do their job.

Article added: Wednesday 20 June 2018