NZ Football apologizes for harassment of women players

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New Zealand Football (NZF), the sport's governing body in the island nation, apologized to members of the women's national team Wednesday for failing to stop bullying, harassment and intimidation by the side's former coach.

Even though an independent review found the allegations against the coach, Austrian Andreas Heraf, were "largely substantiated," the NZF didn't act when players raised concerns.

However, NZF President Deryck Shaw has finally said sorry to the players concerned, promising a meaningful change at the organization.

Independent reviewer Phillipa Muir (L) and NZF President Deryck Shaw (R) speak to the media during an NZF press conference in Auckland, New Zealand. /VCG Photo

"We apologize to our players for the conduct of the former head coach of the Football Ferns and failings in the organization that led to this review," Shaw said.

"We are deeply sorry that these events occurred and for the distress caused."

Heraf quit in July, a few weeks after it was revealed that 13 members of the team no longer wanted to play under him and had complained about his conduct.

The then NZF chief executive, Andy Martin, initially backed Heraf and later said he was "shocked" to have received written complaints from players. He also resigned in the wake of the affair, saying he wanted to spend more time with family.

Screenshot from NZF official website

Employment lawyer Phillipa Muir, who conducted a review of the matter, interviewing 80 people, including 12 players, said, "While I accept that some of Mr. Heraf's actions could be characterized as 'robust' coaching, other behavior crossed the line into bullying and harassment."

Muir also noted there were no women on NZF's senior leadership team and said it needed to give female coaches a clear career pathway. "There is a perception of a 'boys club' and a tolerance of inappropriate banter in parts of the organization," she remarked.

(With inputs from agency)