Jitka Klimkova, the coach of the New Zealand women’s national football team, the Football Ferns, has stepped down from her role, marking a surprising turn of events halfway through her six-year contract. The Czech coach, who led the team to their first-ever World Cup match victory on home soil last year, departs with immediate effect. Her departure comes after a period of turmoil that saw her take a leave of absence in May following an independent investigation into a “workplace employment” matter. While Klimkova was ultimately cleared in June, she announced her decision to step down in early July, citing a challenging team environment and an incomplete “restorative process.”
Despite her clearance, Klimkova’s decision reflects a deep-seated unease surrounding the team’s environment. This sentiment is further highlighted by the Ferns’ disappointing performance under interim coach Michael Mayne, who led the team to three straight defeats in the Olympic group stage, conceding six goals in the process.
Although Mayne will continue in the interim role while the NZF (New Zealand Football) plans for the 2027 World Cup, Klimkova will remain involved with the organization for the next six months, supporting the high-performance department and national team activity.
“I want to thank Jitka for her time as Ford Football Ferns head coach and the major role she has played in bringing through a new generation of players,” NZF boss Andrew Pragnell said in a statement on Friday. “She will forever be remembered as the coach who led us to our first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup win, a historic, game-changing moment for football in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Despite leading the Ferns to their historic World Cup win, Klimkova’s tenure was marked by a decline in the team’s world ranking. The Ferns’ position slipped to a record low under her leadership, and they now languish at number 31.
“This experience was a challenge and made me stronger,” Klimkova, 50, said in the NZF statement. “I believe now is the right time to step away and let another coach carry on.”
The resignation of Jitka Klimkova marks a significant turning point for the New Zealand women’s football team. The team’s future now hinges on the NZF’s ability to address the challenges that led to Klimkova’s departure and rebuild a strong and stable team environment.
