Less than a month before the Paris Olympics, Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková has stepped down, as announced by New Zealand Football.
Despite being cleared by an independent workplace investigation to lead the team, Klimková decided not to return due to concerns about the team environment and her wellbeing, and an incomplete restorative process.
In her absence, assistant coach Michael Mayne will lead the team, with additional support staff joining for the Olympic campaign. The Football Ferns’ pool matches are set to begin on July 24, two days before the opening ceremony.
