Ali Riley out of fifth Olympics Photo: Kyungsik Yoon / www.photosport.nz
Football Ferns captain Ali Riley won't play at a fifth Olympic Games after being withdrawn on medical grounds on the eve of the team's first match against Canada.
Riley will be replaced in the squad by Michaela Foster.
Already dealing with the fall out from a drone being caught spying on them as they prepared for the Canada match the Football Ferns will now be without one of their most experienced players.
Head coach Michael Mayne said it was not an easy decision to rule Riley out of the tournament.
"She has done everything in her control to get herself ready to compete. She is a veteran of this team, and someone that holds a lot of mana in the group, so we are hurting for her but also want her to get back to her best.
"After many conversations leading to making this decision, and with time against us, I have had to replace her in order to utilise the small window I have to bring another player into the squad for the three group games.
"Using the information I have, after playing out a number of scenarios that could impact the team once the bubble closes and looking after Ali's well-being, I have made the decision to withdraw her.
"This was definitely not a situation where it has been clear-cut on the best course of action, but this is the decision I have taken which I believe will be best for the team and to allow Ali to start her recovery."
Foster's promotion from alternate player to full squad member sees defender Grace Neville, a non-travelling reserve for the tournament, called up to join the team in France.
