'This decision has not been easy': NZ Football CEO to step down
New Zealand Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell will step down from his role in early 2027.
Pragnell is New Zealand Football’s longest-serving CEO, joining the organisation in 2018 and helped to secure the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup, jointly hosted between Australia and Aotearoa.
The high-performance programme also changed under his watch and saw the men’s and women’s national teams play in every available Fifa window. The All Whites also qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 16 years, albeit the tournament was expanded to 48 teams and the Oceania confederation gained direct entry for the first time.
Pragnell said leading New Zealand Football was one of the greatest privileges of his career.
“I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside hard-working staff and board members, committed volunteers, dedicated federations and clubs, talented players, coaches and referees and outstanding commercial partners who all care deeply about the future of our game,” he said.
“Alongside the massive impact it has on the individual wellbeing of all Kiwis, football has a unique ability to unite communities and build bridges both locally and internationally.
New Zealand Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell will step down from his role in early 2027, after joining the organisation in 2018. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved collectively as a football system and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for football in New Zealand.
“The organisation is in a very strong position, with a clear strategic direction, a robust commercial and financial base, exceptional people and significant opportunities on the horizon.
“While this decision has not been easy, I leave with confidence in the future of football in New Zealand.”
New Zealand Football has been financially successful under Pragnell’s leadership, seeing a 400% growth in commercial revenue during his tenure, while participation has grown by 22% and Auckland FC joined the Wellington Phoenix as the country’s second professional club.
New Zealand Football president Julian Bowden said Pragnell’s leadership has been outstanding.
“He has brought strategic vision, integrity and an unwavering commitment to advancing football in New Zealand,” Bowden said.
“Under his leadership, the organisation has strengthened both on and off the field and he has built strong foundations for future success.
“On behalf of the executive committee, we thank Andrew for his remarkable contribution and wish him every success in his next endeavour.”
New Zealand Football’s board will run the selection and appointment process for Pragnell’s replacement over the coming months.
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