The KNVB has denied the Netherlands women's team were attempting to mimic the haka after an online video attracted widespread criticism.
The organisation (Royal Dutch Football Association) responsible for the senior Dutch women's side issued the statement after a video on social media appeared to show players in the squad mocking the tribal war dance. As first reported by The Telegraph, the clip that was published on Instagram attracted widespread criticism.
Netherlands are currently based on the north island of New Zealand preparing for the World Cup finals, which begin later this month, with the 2017 European Champions facing USA, Portugal and Vietnam in Group E. A response issued by the KNVB states that players were not mocking the ceremonial Maori dance, but instead were taking part in a group exercise.
