Report finds Systemic Abuse in National Women’s Soccer League

Sophia FloresOctober 4, 2022

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 03: Signage supporting NWSL players is seen during a game between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Los Angeles FC at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 03, 2021 in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) — Signage supporting NWSL players is seen during a game between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Los Angeles FC at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 03, 2021 in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)

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UPDATED 1:27 PM PT – Tuesday, October 4, 2022

The United States Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League reviewed a new report alleging that abuse against its players is systemic within the league.

The report by former acting Attorney General, Sally Q. Yates, was released on Monday. The report detailed allegations of abusive behavior and sexual misconduct in Women’s Professional Soccer. Among the reports, the most disturbing findings were the sexual harassment and coercion allegations against former coach, Paul Riley. The allegations date back to when he was managing the Portland Thorns in 2015.

U.S. Soccer President and former NWSL member, Cindy Parlow Cone, said that she has been a part of this game all her life and “found the whole report challenging to read.”

“And many of the players in this report I know,” she said. “Many of them I coached. I found the whole report shocking. I just found it really maddening that players had to go through this.”

The NWSLPA released a statement where they acknowledged the allegations and the impacts they have had on the victims.