Ferns coach Jitka Klimková takes leave during ongoing investigation

Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková has decided to take a leave of absence from her role pending an investigation into a work-related matter, New Zealand Football has announced.

Klimková will therefore miss New Zealand’s two-game series against Japan in Spain and assistant coach Michael Mayne will step in as head coach for the games.

The full statement from NZ Football

:Ford Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková will miss the upcoming international friendlies against Japan in Spain in June as she has decided to take time off from her role for the tour while an investigation into an employment matter is concluded.

“In Klimková’s absence, assistant coach Michael Mayne will serve as head coach for the two matches on Saturday, June 1 NZT (Friday, May 31 local time) and Tuesday, June 4 NZT (Monday, June 3 local time) at the Estadio Nueva Condomina in Murcia, Spain.

“New Zealand Football and the players and staff of Ford Football Ferns will have no further comment on the matter until the investigation is complete.”