[ad_1]
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has banned four people from coaching the competition permanently in response to an investigation into allegations of abuse and misconduct.
Former North Carolina coach Paul Riley, former Chicago Red Stars coach Rory Dames, former Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke, and former Louisville Racing coach Christy Holly have all been handed bans.
Some others will be allowed to return to their positions in the NWSL under certain conditions, including admitting wrongdoing, participating in training and taking appropriate action.
They included Republic of Ireland head coach Vera Pauw, who coached the Houston Dash in 2018, and denied “every accusation” against him when the investigative report was released.
Vera Pauw was pictured while she was at the Houston Dash
Pauw’s successor James Clarkson will be allowed to return to the NWSL, under the same conditions, along with former Reign coach Farid Benstiti and former Orlando Pride coach Amanda Cromwell.
But former Utah Royals coach Craig Harrington and former Gotham general manager Alyse LaHue have been suspended from the NWSL for two years.
The NWSL and the players’ association announced the results late last month of an investigation, which found misconduct directed at players since the league’s inception nearly a decade ago.
The investigation stems from allegations of sexual harassment and coercion made by two former players against Riley, who is among five NWSL coaches fired or resigned over allegations of wrongdoing in 2021.
U.S. Soccer is also investigating reported misconduct in the league.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said: “The league will continue to prioritize implementing and improving policies, programs and systems that put the health and safety of players first.
“These actions are fundamental to the future of the league, especially as we build a league that empowers our players to succeed and prosper on the field.
“As part of our commitment to accountability and prevention, the league has determined that further corrective action regarding certain organizations and individuals identified in the Joint Investigative Report is appropriate and necessary.”
England and USA stood together before the game at Wembley last October with a message of solidarity for players in the NWSL and beyond
Several teams were also fined, with the Chicago Red Stars ($1.5m) and Portland Thorns ($1m) receiving the biggest financial penalties.
Racing Louisville was fined $200,000, Courage North Carolina $100,000, and The Reign and Gotham were fined $50,000.
The NWSL Players’ Association added in a statement: “Today the NWSL announced disciplinary sanctions against clubs and individuals who committed or enabled misconduct since the league’s inception in 2013.
“This marks a critical step in holding clubs and team leaders accountable for actions, or inactions, that compromise and compromise player safety.
“Those in power who harmed players have been relieved of their duties, banned from the league, suspended or fined.”
[ad_2]
Source link