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Andrew Pragnell to step down as NZ Football CEO
Sport Nation • August 4th, 2026 11:51 am
Andrew Pragnell | Photo: Photosport
Andrew Pragnell will step down as New Zealand Football Chief Executive Officer in early 2027, bringing an end to the longest CEO tenure in the organisation’s history.
Pragnell joined NZF in 2018 during a difficult period for the game and will leave after overseeing significant growth across the sport, both on and off the field.
NZF President Julian Bowden praised Pragnell’s leadership through a period of major change.
“Andrew has been an outstanding leader for New Zealand Football during a period of significant growth and change for the game,” Bowden said.
“He has brought strategic vision, integrity and an unwavering commitment to advancing football in New Zealand.”
During Pragnell’s tenure, NZF helped secure and host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, while the All Whites also qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years.
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The organisation said its turnover grew fourfold from 2018 to 2026, commercial revenue increased by more than 400 percent, and football participation rose by more than 22 percent.
Pragnell also oversaw major growth in the professional game, with New Zealand moving from one professional football team to five, while early work has begun on establishing a South Island-based A-League side.
“Leading New Zealand Football has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional career,” Pragnell said.
“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.”
“While this decision has not been easy, I leave with confidence in the future of football in New Zealand.”
The NZF Board will run the selection and appointment process for his replacement over the coming months.
