Sept 13 (Askume) – New Zealand women’s coach Jitka Klimkova has resigned midway through a six-year contract, months after an independent inquiry into a “workplace employment” scandal confirmed it.
Czech Republic’s Klimkova, who led the Ferns to their first World Cup triumph on home soil last year, will step down immediately after recording just 11 wins in 39 matches.
Klimkova went on leave in May after New Zealand Football (NZF) launched an investigation and cleared the incident in June.
He was due to resume his role at the Paris Olympics, but the New Zealand Football Association said in a statement in early July that now was not the right time to return, citing an incomplete team atmosphere and “reintegration process”.
Under interim coach Michael Mayne, New Zealand crashed out of the Olympic group stage after three straight defeats and conceding six goals.
The New Zealand FA said Mayne would remain in his role while “operational planning” for the 2027 World Cup continues.
Klimkova will reportedly work for the New Zealand Football Association for the next six months and support the high performance department and national team activities.
“I would like to thank Jitka for her appointment as head coach of the Ford Football Ferns and for her important role in developing a new generation of players,” New Zealand Football Association president Andrew Plagnall said in a statement on Friday.
“He will always be remembered as the coach who led us to the first FIFA Women’s World Cup, a historic, game-changing moment for New Zealand football.”
Despite having no shortage of resources or match practice ahead of the World Cup, the Ferns have fallen to a record low in the world rankings under Klimkova and are currently placed 31st.
“This experience was a challenge and it made me stronger,” Klimkova, 50, said in a statement from the New Zealand Foundation.
“I believe it is time to step back and hand the reins over to another coach.”
