New Zealand Football plans to launch an offiicial investigation into Andreas Heraf's conduct.GETTY IMAGES
Football Ferns Manager Andreas Heraf will be suspended from his role, with New Zealand Football planning to "launch an official investigation" into his conduct and behavior, according to Michael Burgess of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. As part of a "full-blown rebellion," at least 10 Ferns players have submitted formal letters of complaint about Heraf. The nature of the complaints are "strictly confidential," but they are believed to include "claims around bullying, intimidation and a culture of fear." New Zealand Professional Footballers' Association CEO Harry Ngata said, "A number of Ferns players have come to us with some pretty heavy statements." NZF issued a public response on Monday, confirming the receipt of the letters and that there will be a press conference in Auckland on Wednesday. An inquiry will reportedly be announced. It is not known what the terms of reference will be and "how wide the inquiry will go into recent events, but it is expected to be extensive" (NZ HERALD, 6/19).
'CULTURE OF INTIMIDATION': STUFF's Rollo, Voerman & Hyslop reported one player revealed new details of the "culture of intimidation" that will come under scrutiny. The player, on the condition of anonymity, claimed that members of the playing squad "were told they had to ask for Heraf's permission before they could leave the table at dinner time" and that players were "shouted at" for passing the ball between defense and midfield or if they passed the ball backwards because it was "deemed too risky," a claim backed up by a second Ferns player. A different player alleged that Heraf, at camp in Spain earlier this year, told a player he "knew her club coach and could have her released from her team if he so chose to." Heraf rejected that specific allegation. The complaints "contain allegations of an unprofessional culture, and bullying, along with deep concerns about the on-field approach as Heraf's tenure reaches boiling point." NZF said that the organization is reviewing the complaints "as a matter of priority" but declined the opportunity to comment further on Tuesday (STUFF, 6/19).
