American women’s football shocked by end of NWSL sexual harassment allegations

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October 4 – The National Womens Soccer League (NWSL), until last week a picture of positivity, progress and growth, reacted swiftly to the multiple allegations of sexual harassment that resulted in the dismissal of Carolina’s coach. North Paul Riley but as the senior players have said is also a larger league issue.

As the extent of the failure to protect female league players became increasingly evident, NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird (pictured), former director of marketing for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee , resigned and all weekend NWSL games were put on hold as the league and its clubs accepted the scale of the problem.

The NWSL has formed an executive committee to handle oversight of the league’s front office operations, including Amanda Duffy (Orlando Pride), Angie Long (Kansas City NWSL) and Sophie Sauvage (OL Reign).

“On behalf of the entire league, we are heartbroken for what far too many players have had to endure just to play the game they love, and we are incredibly sorry,” the three executive committee members said in a statement. joint statement.

We understand that we need to undertake a significant systemic and cultural transformation to address the issues needed to become the type of league that NWSL players and their fans deserve and to regain the trust of both. We are committed to doing just that and recognize that it will not happen overnight, but only through vigilance over time.

In 2015, Riley was under investigation for improper conduct in his role as head coach of the Portland Thorns. He was then hired by Western New York Flash and North Carolina Courage.

The fact that he was allowed to continue operating in the league without control, but with the league’s knowledge of the allegations, raises further serious questions about the protection of athletes in women’s sport in the United States and in football. in particular, which is still facing more than a decade. horrific sexual abuse of female athletes in her elite gymnastics program.

The NWSL has opened an investigation into the depth of sexual harassment in league clubs, led by law firm Covington & Burling and led by Amanda Kramer, former U.S. Deputy Attorney at the U.S. Prosecutor’s Office for the Southern District of New York. She is responsible for proposing a set of reforms for the league.

His investigation will include a reopening of the 2015 case on Riley and the circumstances of his move to other clubs, as well as a review of available investigation reports related to all historical complaints of discrimination, harassment or abuse ( physical, emotional or sexual) in the NWSL and, where appropriate, a reopening of the respective investigation or the initiation of a new arbitration process.

The NWSL said it is committed to conducting an independent review of practices at the league and club level, which will be a roadmap to ensure safe environments for players and staff.

In his resignation statement, Baird said: “This week, and much of this season, has been incredibly traumatic for our players and staff, and I take full responsibility for the role I have played.

“I am so sorry for the pain that many are feeling.

“Recognizing this trauma, we decided not to go to the field this weekend to give everyone a space for reflection.

“The status quo is not our concern at the moment.

“Our whole league has a lot of healing to do, and our players deserve so much better.

FIFA also entered the fray saying it will also open an investigation into the allegations.

“FIFA will contact the respective parties, including US Soccer and NWSL, for further information on the various protection concerns and allegations of abuse that have been raised,” a statement read.

“When it comes to professional misconduct in football, we would like to reiterate that FIFA’s position is clear: anyone found guilty of professional misconduct and abuse in football will be brought to justice, sanctioned and removed from the game.

The removal of individuals from the game was a common theme on the social networks of top American female players.

Megan Rapinoe tweeted: “To all who let this happen, heard it and rejected it, approved this monster going to another team with no repercussions, F *** YOU.”

“You are all monsters and can ALL resign immediately.”

Contact the author of this story at moc.l1633348167labto1633348167ofdlr1633348167owedi1633348167sni@n1633348167osloh1633348167cin.l1633348167uap1633348167

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