NZ women's coach placed on leave after player complaints

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - The coach of New Zealand's women's football team has been placed on leave pending an investigation of complaints about his conduct from members of the national team.

The complaints centered around tactics Andreas Heraf used in a recent home international against Japan and his comments to media after that match. Players reportedly objected to the defensive nature of Heraf's tactics in the 3-1 loss.

New Zealand Football chief executive Andy Martin said at a news conference on Wednesday that his organization had received a letter from the New Zealand Professional Footballers Association, containing letters of complaint from 13 national team members.

Defending his approach at a news conference after the match, Heraf said the New Zealand players would never have the "quality" to compete with a team of Japan's ability and might have lost 8-0 if they had not adopted a defensive style.

Further reports have emerged of player concerns about Heraf's behavior, including allegations of bullying.

Martin was repeatedly questioned at the news conference about when New Zealand Football first had notice of the players' concerns about Heraf. He insisted he was not aware of any problems until the letter from the NZPFA containing the players' complaints was released on Monday.

In a statement, New Zealand Football Chairman Deryck Shaw said player welfare was "of utmost importance."

"We hold player welfare as a matter of utmost importance and that is why we are conducting a thorough, independent review. We want to ensure we better understand these issues in an objective review. There is no place for inappropriate behavior of any kind with New Zealand Football."