3 Oct 2018

NZ Football head: 'There is a job to do' after bullying report

10:15 pm on 3 October 2018

A former All White says there needs to be change at the top in NZ Football after a damning report into its culture, but the president says he will not resign.

(From left) NZ Football interim chief executive Andrew Pragnell, independent reviewer Pip Muir and NZ Football president Deryck Shaw reveal findings as a result of the independent review into the conduct and culture of the governing body.

(From left) NZ Football interim chief executive Andrew Pragnell, independent reviewer Pip Muir and NZ Football president Deryck Shaw reveal findings as a result of the independent review into the conduct and culture of the governing body. Photo: Getty Images

The independent review follows complaints by 12 Football Ferns players about former coach Andreas Heraf's bullying behaviour.

Former All White player Sam Malcolmson said NZ Football president Deryck Shaw should resign in light of the report.

He said there needed to be change at the organisation, starting with Mr Shaw at the top.

"The one thing that's loud and clear is the chairman should go. The chairman was very close to the CEO and also his friends etc on the board, and I think that he is the one thing that has to go. And without him gone, then New Zealand Football can't start afresh."

But Mr Shaw told Checkpoint he did not plan to resign.

"If the membership of NZ Football want us to step down, then that's appropriate. But I think in the meantime, the feedback that I've had from members of New Zealand Football is that there is a job to do, and we expect you to do it."

Mr Shaw said New Zealand Football accepted the report's findings and will implement its recommendations.

The report by employment lawyer Phillipa Muir said Football New Zealand needed to apologise to the 12 women players and offer counselling.

It said some of Mr Heraf's behaviour had crossed the line into bullying and harassment.

Ms Muir also said New Zealand Football needed to shoulder some of the blame.

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