Investigation by former U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates and law firm King & Spalding uncovered "sexually charged comments, unwanted sexual advances and touching, and forced sex " in women's football in the United States.
The 172-page report includes interviews with more than 200 NWSL players and details abuse by coaches, as well as manipulation, bullying and retaliation against players who testified.
The investigation found that clubs, league officials and the American Soccer Federation "failed to respond appropriately on several occasions when confronted with complaints from players, evidence to support” and “have not put in place necessary measures to prevent and address these abuses, even though some leaders have privately acknowledged the need for workplace protections.”
This collective passivity notably allowed a coach with abusive and reprehensible behavior to move from one club to another, preceded by positive references which concealed his misconduct.
“Those in the NWSL and USSF who were in a position to make amends remained silent, investigators overwhelm. And no one within the clubs, league or federation demanded better from the coaches. "
"The findings of this investigation are heartbreaking and deeply disturbing," said USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone, a former U.S. Women's National Team player who took office in 2020 and launched the investigation there. a year ago.
"The abuses described are inexcusable and have no place on any pitch, training facility or other workplace. The Federation is fully committed to doing everything in its power to ensure that all players - at all levels - have a safe and respectful place to learn, grow and compete."
© 2022 AFP