On October 3, 2022 a damaging report revealed "systemic" emotional and sexual abuse in women's soccer, at every level of the sport.
NBC reports that an independent U.S. Soccer probe was commissioned in the wake of troubling abuse allegations made by former players.
Following those allegations, North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley was fired and National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner Lisa Baird resigned.
The probe was headed by former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates.
"Our investigation over the past year has revealed a league in which abuse was systematic. Verbal and emotional abuse and sexual misconduct occurred at multiple teams, was perpetrated by several
coaches and affected many players." Sally Yates, former acting U.S. Attorney General, via NBC
According to Yates, the problem was found to exist across all levels of the sport.
We also found these issues were not unique or new to the NWSL.
"Some coaches’ misconduct dates to prior professional leagues and some to youth soccer." Sally Yates, former acting U.S. Attorney General, via NBC.
"We also found these issues were not unique or new to the NWSL. Some coaches’ misconduct dates to prior professional leagues and some to youth soccer." Sally Yates, former acting U.S. Attorney General, via NBC.
U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone called the probe's findings , "heartbreaking and deeply troubling."
"We are taking the immediate action that we can today, and will convene leaders in soccer at all levels across the country to collaborate on the recommendations so we can create meaningful, long-lasting change throughout the soccer ecosystem." Cindy Parlow Cone, U.S. Soccer President, via NBC
"The abuse described is inexcusable and has no place on any playing field, in any training facility or workplace." Cindy Parlow Cone, U.S. Soccer President, via NBC