New Zealand Football (NZF) has confirmed that Andrew Pragnell will step down as Chief Executive Officer in early 2027, concluding a transformative tenure that helped shape a period of enormous growth, development and stability for football in New Zealand.

NZF President Julian Bowden acknowledged Pragnell’s contribution with sincere appreciation on behalf of current and past Executive Committee members.

“Andrew has been an outstanding leader for New Zealand Football during a period of significant growth and change for the game,” said Bowden.

“He has brought strategic vision, integrity and an unwavering commitment to advancing football in New Zealand.

“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 endeavor.”

Pragnell’s leadership has been defined by sustained progress across major events, high performance, community participation, professional pathways and the organisation’s commercial base.

He will step away after more than eight and a half years as the organisation’s longest-serving CEO, having joined in 2018 during a difficult period for the game, and leaves with a legacy that has transformed football in Aotearoa. 

His impact included leading the bid to secure and host a successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the largest ever edition of the tournament that left a significant legacy on the domestic game. 

He led the transformation of the High Performance programme, with the men’s and women’s national teams playing in every available FIFA window and a commitment to bring the senior sides home every year. He also oversaw the All Whites’ return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years. 

Pragnell has overseen significant growth in revenue and community participation. Under his leadership, New Zealand Football’s business has grown turnover fourfold from 2018 to 2026, with over 400% growth in commercial revenue during this period, and participation increasing by more than 22% making football the largest and fastest-growing sport in the country.

By building strong relationships with key stakeholders domestically and internationally, Pragnell has helped transform the professional game from one professional team to five, alongside laying early foundations to establish a South Island-based A-League side.

“Leading New Zealand Football has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional career,” said Pragnell.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

The Board will run the selection and appointment process over the coming months.

Article added: Tuesday 04 August 2026