New Zealand women’s football coach stands down for Olympics

New Zealand women’s head coach Jitka Klimkova has stood down for the Paris Olympics, the national football body said Friday, four weeks before the tournament begins.

The former Czech Republic defender will be replaced for the Games by her assistant Michael Mayne, New Zealand Football said.

It did not say whether Klimkova, who has been head coach since 2021, will return.

It follows a turbulent few weeks for the 49-year-old.

Klimkova took a leave of absence and missed friendly defeats to Japan in early June during what the national body said was an independent investigation into an undisclosed “employment-related matter”.

It was announced on June 8 that Klimkova had been cleared to lead the team at the Olympics, but three weeks later she has opted to stand aside.

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“Klimkova has taken the view that due to concerns in relation to the team environment, her wellbeing and a restorative process having not been completed, it would not be the right time for her to return,” New Zealand Football said.

The Football Ferns have won 11 of 39 games under Klimkova, with 21 defeats and seven draws.

Under her stewardship the co-hosts exited the 2023 Women’s World Cup at the group stage.

New Zealand, ranked 28th in the world, play Canada in their first game at the Olympics on July 25.