Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková has chosen to take a leave of absence from her role while an investigation is carried out into an employment-related matter, New Zealand Football have announced.
Klimková will miss New Zealand’s two-match series against Japan in Spain as a result, and assistant coach Michael Mayne will step in as head coach for the games.
NZ Football’s statement in full
“Ford Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková will miss the upcoming June international friendlies against Japan in Spain as she has opted to take a leave of absence from the role for this tour while an investigation is concluded into an employment related matter.
“In Klimková absence, assistant coach Michael Mayne will act as head coach for the two games on Saturday 1 June NZT (Friday 31 May local) and Tuesday 4 June NZT (Monday 3 June local) at Estadio Nueva Condomina in Murcia, Spain.
“New Zealand Football, as well as Ford Football Ferns players and staff, will not be making any further comment on the matter until the investigation is concluded.”
Squad for Japan games
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Fixtures
Game to be played on Saturday June 1, 2024 (NZT)
New Zealand v Japan
Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain, 2am (NZT)
Game to be played on Tuesday June 4, 2024 (NZT)
New Zealand v Japan
Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain, 2am (NZT)