An independent investigation that has lasted more than a year has uncovered one of the largest sports scandals in the US. According to the study, there is evidence of sexual abuse and emotional abuse against players in the National Women's Soccer League, the highest level of American women's football.
The report, about 173 pages long, details that it is a systematic problem, involving many coaches, clubs and players. The investigation began after a report by The Athletic in 2021 found widespread abuse of players, both sexually and emotionally, in NWSL.
Sally Yates, the investigation team's leader, said: Overuse in NWSL originates in a deeper culture in women's football, starting with youth leagues, which are normally abused by words and blurred the line between coaches and players.
Specific cases of the investigation
Some cases with the system are presented in detail in the report. It's like a coach called a player to let her watch a video of the match, but in the end let her watch a film. Another case was cited as two players being forced to have sex with each other.
Yates also explained that the report shows that the leaders of NWSL and the US Football Federation (USSF), as well as owners, executives and coaches at all levels, have not acted for years and have continuously reported on abuse by coaches.
Yates wrote in his report: The players described a type of sexually suggestive commentary, unwanted sexual acts and sexual touches, and forced sexual intercourse.
Not only do teams, tournaments and Federations continue to not respond appropriately when faced with reports from players and evidence of abuse, they also fail to take basic measures to prevent and address this problem".
Similarly, the report also revealed that three clubs - Portland Thorns, Racing Louisville FC and Chicago Stars - have not cooperated with investigators. "Portland thorns interfered in our access to relevant witnesses and made misleading legal arguments in an attempt to prevent us from using the relevant documents."
One of the key coaches involved is Paul Riley, a former Portland coach. For example, sexual abuse allegations were filed against Riley every year from 2015 to 2021, and an anonymous survey of players in 2014 also determined that Riley, then-coach of Portland Thorns, was insulting and discriminating against men.
The investigation is not over yet. A simultaneous but separate investigation into NWSL and the Players' Association remains unclear. The report also said that there is no investigation into youth football, even though investigators believe that abuse is still widespread there.
