New Zealand Football have today confirmed a strong financial position after a record-breaking 2023, headlined by the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 coming to Aotearoa New Zealand.

In figures released as part of the 2023 Annual Report, published today at the 2024 Annual Congress held in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, New Zealand Football confirmed a net operating surplus of $1.8m, a notable increase in commercial and partnership revenue and total current members funds of $11.4m. 

New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell said:

“2023 was a very positive year for New Zealand Football and the game both on the field and off the field, with the hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 being an incredible highlight. 

“Through prudent financial management and commercial success we are well positioned to continue supporting the growth of football and have a well-developed campaign plan as we begin the All Whites FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification process.”

2023 saw records broken on and off the pitch with the Ford Football Ferns winning their first ever game at a FIFA Women’s World Cup, the attendance record for a football match featuring a New Zealand team smashed and player participation numbers reach new highs. 

“The unstoppable growth of football in New Zealand is a tribute to the hard work of our federations, clubs and volunteers” Pragnell continued.

“While we continue to grow as a business our true strength as a sport are the people in the football system who contribute at every level.” 

Read the Annual Report

Congress also saw Capital Football Board Chair Helen Mallon elected to the New Zealand Football Executive Committee, replacing the outgoing Sarah Gibbs. 

Mallon has a long association with football in the Capital Football region, as well as with Wellington Phoenix where she has been a volunteer for 18 years. 

New Zealand Football President Johanna Wood said:

“Firstly, on behalf of the Board I would like to congratulate Helen on her election to the Executive Committee and I look forward to working with her at a time when the game is rapidly growing. 

“I would also like to acknowledge the great contribution made by outgoing member Sarah Gibbs over the past four years which saw New Zealand Football navigate their way through Covid and host an incredible FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“2023 was a historic year for the game in Aotearoa New Zealand but it is now on us as a board, as well as everyone across football, to make sure that we harness the impact of the FIFA Women’s World Cup to ensure we have a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

Congress also admitted the Professional Club Group as a New Zealand Football member, a partnership between Wellington Phoenix and the new professional club Auckland FC, replacing Wellington Phoenix’s standalone membership, Garth Gallaway was re-elected as Honorary President and NZF life memberships were awarded to Bob Patterson and Simon Jefferson for their services to the game.

New Zealand Football continues to maintain 40% female representation on the Executive Committee, first achieved in 2020, in line with the Sport NZ target.

The Executive Committee of New Zealand Football is now comprised of the following members:

Johanna Wood (President)
Scott Moran (Vice President)
Jackie Barron
Julian Bowden
Dana Hussey
Richard Kerr-Bell
Helen Mallon
Cam Mitchell
Rakesh Naidoo
Rajesh Singh

Article added: Thursday 02 May 2024