Four football coaches named in a National Women’s Soccer League investigation into abuse and malpractice in women’s football have been banned for life, the NWSL said in a statement on Monday.
The punishments were part of a wide-ranging package of
suspensions and fines against multiple individuals and organisations which
followed publication of the NWSL’s findings last month in its Joint
Investigative Report.
The league last month said it had found “ongoing misconduct”
at most league clubs after an earlier probe uncovered evidence of harassment
and sexual abuse.
The NWSL investigation spent 14 months examining complaints
by NWSL players and uncovered systemic failures by the league.
The coaches hit with life bans on Monday included Paul
Riley, Christy Holly, Rory Dames and Richie Burke.
Former Portland Thorns coach Riley featured prominently in a
separate US Soccer probe led by former US Attorney General Sally Yates.
Former Chicago Red Stars coach Dames also came under
scrutiny in the Yates report, which detailed allegations of verbal abuse and
insults to players.
The Washington Spirit’s Burke meanwhile was reported to have
made remarks about race and ethnicity.
Seven other individuals were also given suspensions or will
be required to acknowledge wrongdoing and accept responsibility for
inappropriate conduct before being considered for employment in the NWSL in
future.
The NWSL meanwhile said its own league office would be fined
at least $1 million and would be required to undergo a sweeping overhaul.
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said the league would
“continue to prioritize implementing and enhancing the policies, programs and
systems that put the health and safety of our players first.”
“Those actions are fundamental to the future of our league,
especially as we build a league that strengthens our players’ ability to
succeed and prosper on and off the pitch,” Berman added.
The Chicago Red Stars will be fined $1.5 million, the NWSL
said, while the Portland Thorns would be forced to pay $1 million.
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