The NWSL announced on Monday that four football coaches named in an investigation into abuse and malpractice in women’s football had been banned for life.
The sanctions were part of a broad package of suspensions and fines imposed on a variety of individuals and organizations following the publication of the NWSL’s findings in its Joint Investigative Report last month.
After an earlier investigation revealed evidence of harassment and sexual abuse, the league announced last month that it had discovered “ongoing misconduct” at the majority of league clubs.
The NWSL investigation examined complaints from NWSL players for 14 months and discovered systemic failures by the league. Paul Riley, Christy Holly, Rory Dames, and Richie Burke were among the coaches who received life bans on Monday.
Riley, the former Portland Thorns coach, was prominently featured in a separate US Soccer investigation led by former US Attorney General Sally Yates.
Former Chicago Red Stars coach Dames was also singled out in the Yates report, which detailed allegations of verbal abuse and player insults. Holly, a former Racing Louisville coach, was fired after being accused of groping and sexually coercing a player.
Meanwhile, Burke of the Washington Spirit was reported to have made racial and ethnic remarks. Seven other people have been suspended or will be required to admit wrongdoing and accept responsibility for inappropriate behavior before being considered for future employment in the NWSL.
Meanwhile, the NWSL announced that its own league office would be fined at least $1 million and would be overhauled completely.
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman stated that the league will “continue to prioritize implementing and improving policies, programs, and systems that prioritize our players’ health and safety.”
“Those actions are critical to our league’s future, particularly as we build a league that strengthens our players’ ability to succeed and prosper on and off the field,” Berman added. The Chicago Red Stars will be fined $1.5 million, while the Portland Thorns will be fined $1 million, according to the NWSL.
