Independent investigation found widespread misconduct and abuse in professional soccer for women in the United States.
The report, which was led by Sally Q. Yates, former acting attorney general, was released Monday. It was based upon more than 200 interviews. It reveals that the National Women’s Soccer League, (NWSL), under the US Soccer Federation (USSF), failed to provide a safe environment.
The report states that “our investigation revealed a league (NWSL), in which abuse and misconduct — verbal, emotional, and sexual misconduct — had become systematic, spanning multiple coaches and victims.” The NWSL abuse is rooted in a deeper culture of women’s soccer that began in youth leagues. This culture normalizes verbally abusive coaching, blurring the boundaries between players and coaches.
The report comes one year after the 12-team NWSL was in chaos following a report from The Athletic describing allegations of sexual coercion, misconduct and abuse against Paul Riley. Riley coached three NWSL teams over eight seasons. The North Carolina Courage fired him after citing players who claimed that Riley used his power and influence to sexually harass players for years and, in one instance, coerced a player into having sex.
Riley denied the allegations in the report. CNN was unable to reach Riley for comment.
In the wake of the report, Lisa Baird, the then-NWSL commissioner, resigned. The league also cancelled all scheduled matches for that weekend. The Yates report states that half of the league’s teams had left their coaches by the end of the year due to player complaints.
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Monday’s report reveals that sexual misconduct and abuse were far more widespread than one incident or coach.
The report states that “in well over 200 interviews, there were many reports of relentless, degrading tirades; manipulations that were about power, and not improving performance; as well as retaliation against anyone who tried to come forward.” “Even more troubling were the stories about sexual misconduct. Players described a pattern that included sexually charged comments and unwanted sexual advances, sexual touching, and coercive intercourse.
Monday’s league statement stated that it would review the findings.
“We recognize the anxiety, mental strain that these pending investigation have caused, and the trauma that many — including staff — are having relive,” the league stated in a statement.
The NWSL stated that the league is currently conducting its own investigation with the players’ union.
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Yates’ report includes first-hand accounts of players who have described abuses by head coaches and team management.
One case alleged that a head coach asked a player to watch match footage 1-on-1 at his home only to show pornography. According to the report, the same manager sexually coerced the player and “grabbed her in public, but not out of sight.”
The report contains multiple allegations and findings regarding sexual harassment and misconduct by head coach.
The report notes that abusive coaches were able move from one team to the next despite being accused by the league and the Federation. This was because they feared that the organizations might be named in any possible defamation or employment lawsuits.
Yates recommends that a public “list” of individuals be disciplined, suspended or banned by USSF, a USSF Organization member, or SafeSport.
The US Center for SafeSport was authorized by Congress to address sexual, emotional, and physical abuse in Olympic sports.
Cindy Parlow Cone, US Soccer President, stated that the report was very emotional and that she is having trouble understanding it all. It will take time to read the report and reflect on the actions and inactions. Then, it will take time to decide what discipline needs to be taken.
She stated earlier that the US Soccer Federation, the national governing body of soccer, was “fully committed to doing all it can to ensure that all soccer players, at all levels, have a safe place to learn, grow, and compete.”
The NWSL players’ association praised players who cooperated in the investigation and spoke out about misconduct and abuse.
“As difficult as the report is to read, it has been more painful for Players, known and unknown, to live it.” The association expressed gratitude for their efforts to find the truth to support our work to transform NWSL.
“These stories have inspired me to take collective action to make a difference. The association stated that players are reclaiming the League as well as the sport by sharing their stories.
US Soccer began the investigation one year ago when it hired Yates and King and Spalding to review the allegations, conduct interviews and suggest solutions. According to the federation, Yates and the firm had full access and autonomy in order for them to complete an independent report.
US Soccer stated that the board of directors of the Federation had voted to release Monday’s full report while maintaining “victim confidentiality and privacy.”