The head coach of the football Ferns, Jitka Klimková, left her position less than a month before the Paris Olympics, which had a significant impact on the team’s preparations.
New Zealand Football announced her departure after a workplace employment investigation cleared her of any wrongdoing.
However, Klimková stated that she didn’t feel it was the right time to return to the team due to concerns about the team environment, her wellbeing, and a restorative process that had not been completed.
In her absence, assistant coach Michael Mayne took charge of matches against Japan, which the Ferns lost 2-0 and 4-1. Mayne will now lead the team for the upcoming Olympic Games campaign, with New Zealand Football bringing in additional support staff.
The Football Ferns’ pool matches, a crucial part of their Olympic journey, will begin on 24th July, two days before the opening ceremony.
