Following years of abuse, the National Women’s Soccer League announced a settlement on Wednesday that will create a $5 million players compensation fund and other improvements.
Attorneys General Brian Schwalb of the District of Columbia, Letitia James of New York, and Kwame Raoul of Illinois led a criminal investigation that resulted in the settlement.
In a virtual press conference, the NWSL Players Association, league officials, and attorneys general announced the settlement.
From 2013 until 2022, there was widespread misconduct in the league, according to two separate investigations.
Barbara Jones, a former U.S. District Judge and an independent member of the committee that oversaw the 2022 NWSL/NWSLPA joint investigation, will administer the fund.
In addition to the fund, the league will guarantee continued monitoring of already enacted regulations and safeguards suggested in the report of the Joint Investigative Team.
Meghann Burke, executive director of the National Women’s Soccer League women Association, stated that the NWSLPA wanted the joint probe because women risked everything to speak out against a system that had let them down.
“Reforms began with this reckoning and have reshaped the NWSL over the past three years. It is through the players’ courage and conviction that NWSL is now on a different trajectory.”
Accountability, Burke pointed out, is not a “one-time event.”
The attorney general’s actions to “stand with players and enforce the Joint Investigative Team’s recommendations” were praised by her.
“For too long, the hardworking and talented women of the National Women’s Soccer League were forced to endure an unacceptable culture of abuse, harassment, and retaliation,” James stated.
“This settlement sends a clear message that such misconduct will not be tolerated and ensures players receive the compensation and protections they deserve.” James continued. “Every athlete should be able to compete in a safe, supportive environment, and I thank the brave individuals who came forward to share their experiences.”
An ex-professional soccer player named Erin Simon stated: “I am honored and grateful to have been part of the AGs’ investigation, sharing my story.”
“Players requested the joint investigation because, for too long, those in authority would not listen,” stated Tori Huster, NWSL’s deputy executive director. Silently, the players suffered. Because of their courage in speaking up, demanding change, and not giving up, things changed.
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Coaches Abusing
There have been allegations of abuse against players by coaches, ranging from emotional abuse and intimidation to unwanted touching, sexual coercion, and other sexual advances.
Players Mana Shim and Sinead Farrelly came forward in 2021 to report that Paul Riley had sexually harassed them while he was their head coach with the North Carolina Courage.
Later, a third player told independent investigators about Riley.
An independent inquiry into sexual misbehavior and abuse in women’s soccer was conducted later that year by former U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates, who revealed a pervasive culture of misogyny and abuse at all levels of the sport.
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Riley received lifelong bans along with the other head coaches, Christy Holly of Racing Louisville, Rory Dames of the Chicago Red Stars, and Richie Burke of the Washington Spirit. Others were prohibited for several years.
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