The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has suspended four women’s soccer coaches for life and announced sanctions against managers and clubs, following investigations into sexual abuse, abuse of power and psychological manipulation by the body.
The NWSL and its players’ union had announced in December the results of the investigation they commissioned, which found «widespread misconduct» against players dating back to the league’s inception nearly a decade ago. These are not isolated incidents.
Former coaches Paul Riley (North Carolina), Rory Dames (Chicago Red Stars) and Richie Burke (Washington Spirit) have been banned for life from the NWSL, as has coach Christy Holly (Racing Louisville). In addition, former coach Craig Harrington (Utah Royals) and former Gotham FC (New Jersey) coach Alyse LaHue have been banned from the NWSL for two years.
The investigation stems from allegations of sexual harassment and assault made against Paul Riley by two former players. Riley, who denied all allegations, was one of five NWSL coaches who were fired or resigned in 2021 over the allegations.
Several teams were fined; Chicago Red Stars must pay $1.5 million – about €1.4 million – in fines, Portland Thorns $1 million, Racing Louisville $200,000 and North Carolina Courage, $100,000. Seattle Reign FC, where superstar Megan Rapinoe plays, and Gotham were fined $50,000 each.
«The league will continue to prioritize the implementation and improvement of policies, programs and systems that put the health and safety of our players first,» announced NWSL executive director Jessica Berman. Her predecessor, Lisa Baird, had resigned when the players’ allegations became public and garnered increasing attention.
SOURCE: (dpa/EP)
