Football: NZ Football review findings praised by Football Fern Sarah Gregorius and New Zealand Professional Footballers' Association

Football Fern Sarah Gregorius. Photo / Photosport

Football Fern Sarah Gregorius and players' association boss Harry Ngata have endorsed the findings of the independent review into New Zealand Football.

The document supported the complaints of players, and independent reviewer Pip Muir cobbled together 22 recommendations to improve the sport's culture.

Those included the need for more of a focus on player welfare and gender diversity.

Gregorius, who's also a member of the New Zealand Professional Footballers' Association board, said the process was vindicating.

"Allegations around the culture and environment not being conducive to high performance sport were completely substantiated."

She's commended her teammates.

"They were willing to risk their careers, despite there being nothing more important to many of them than representing New Zealand.

"It was an incredibly difficult position to take, and you can only admire that bravery.

"We owe fans a thank you for the outpouring of support over the last few months, because a lot of the girls were encouraged by that, and hope it continues."

Former chief executive Andy Martin and former technical director and Ferns coach Andreas Heraf resigned before the review, receiving pay outs in the process.

NZF president Deryck Shaw was yesterday asked whether he and the board would resign.

Shaw said he's committed to implementing the recommendations.

Regardless, the Football Ferns have left a legacy for players flexing their muscle.

NZPFA chairman Harry Ngata said they will be with NZF every step of the way to overhaul the governing body.

He said the review's recommendations have been welcomed by the athletes, who are looking forward to change.

"We as a code and a players association need to make sure these things are adhered to and followed through to ensure high performance mechanisms are in place for success."

The Football Ferns are still without a coach.