Andreas Heraf breached harassment policy, independent review into his time as Football Ferns coach finds

October 3, 2018
Andy Martin said there have also been about six letters supporting Heraf submitted to the governing body by players.

New Zealand Football has apologised to Football Ferns players after an independent review was released today into the conduct and culture in the national side under former coach Andreas Heraf after complaints from players were made.

The review was led by Simpson Grierson's lawyer Phillipa Muir. It included interviews with about 80 people which also included complaints from 12 players.

Ms Muir found that former Football Ferns coach Heraf had breached New Zealand Football's Code of Conduct, Human Resources policy on harassment, and Worksafe New Zealand bullying guidelines.

She also found that New Zealand Football shared responsibility having not investigated concerns raised by staff following team tours and not sufficiently supported the then head coach Heraf when he came to New Zealand from overseas.

"I have significant concerns around the High Performance environment and some of NZ Football’s structure, processes and resourcing, in particular in Human Resources and recruitment," said Ms Muir in a press release.

"There has not been sufficient focus by the organisation on player welfare, particularly for its High Performance teams, in recent years."

Ms Muir put forward 22 wide-reaching recommendations around the Football Ferns complaints, player welfare and culture, structure and governance of the organisation, NZ Football processes, cultural and diversity issues, and NZ Football relationships with key football stakeholders.

In receiving the report, NZ Football President Deryck Shaw has extended an apology to the individual players who had complained, and undertook to meet with them personally as soon as possible.

"On behalf of the Executive Committee of New Zealand Football we apologise to our players for the conduct of the former head coach of the Football Ferns and failings in the organisation that led to this review. We are deeply sorry that these events occurred and for the distress caused," said Mr Shaw.

"The NZ Football accepts the report and its recommendations in full and will now focus on working with management, our players and key stakeholders to ensure implementation of the report, its findings and recommendations.

"We are committed to working with players and staff to improve player welfare, and to rebuild trust and engagement among players, staff and key football stakeholders."

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