Jitka Klimkova resigns as New Zealand women's football coach

Jitka Klimkova, the head coach of the New Zealand women's football team, has resigned from her position midway through her six-year contract, just months after being exonerated by an independent investigation concerning a "workplace employment" issue.

The Czech coach, who led the Football Ferns to their inaugural World Cup match victory last year on home ground, has left her role effective immediately after achieving only 11 wins in 39 matches.

Klimkova took a leave of absence in May when New Zealand Football (NZF) initiated the investigation and was subsequently cleared in June.

Although she was expected to return for the Paris Olympics, she announced in an NZF statement in early July that it was not the appropriate time for her to come back, citing concerns regarding the team environment and an unfinished "restorative process."

Under the interim guidance of Michael Mayne, New Zealand was eliminated from the Olympic group stage, suffering three consecutive losses and conceding six goals.

Mayne will continue in his role as preparations for the 2027 World Cup are underway, according to NZF. The organization also stated that Klimkova will assist NZF for the next six months, focusing on the high-performance department and national team activities.

NZF chief Andrew Pragnell expressed gratitude to Klimkova for her contributions as head coach of the Ford Football Ferns, highlighting her significant role in nurturing a new generation of players.

He remarked, "She will always be remembered as the coach who guided us to our first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup victory, a landmark moment for football in Aotearoa New Zealand."

Despite having ample resources and match experience prior to the World Cup, the Ferns experienced a decline in their world ranking under Klimkova, currently positioned at number 31.

Klimkova reflected on her tenure, stating, "This experience was a challenge and made me stronger. I believe now is the right time to step away and allow another coach to take over."