The 37-year-old double world champion was taking part in a videoconference from London, where the American selection is to face England in a friendly on Friday.

The players are "horrified and heartbroken", she said, the day after the publication of the conclusions of the independent investigation led by the former Attorney General of the United States, Sally Yates.

The 172-page report includes interviews with more than 200 North American League (NWSL) players and details multiple coaches' abuses, manipulation, bullying and retaliation against players.

Facts that include "comments with a sexual connotation, advances, unwanted touching and forced sexual intercourse" within the professional championship and even beyond, in structures dedicated to young people.

"Every owner, officer, manager of American women's soccer who failed in their duty to the players, who did not protect them, who hid behind legal considerations and did not fully participate in these investigations should be fired. “, estimated Sauerbrunn.

"All"

Merritt Paulson, owner of Sauerbrunn club the Portland Thorns, is accused in the Yates report, along with other club officials, of turning a blind eye to abuse by Paul Riley, the team's former coach.

When pressed on whether Paulson is among the owners she thinks should be banned from the NSWL, Sauerbrunn replied: "That includes anyone who has continued to disappoint players time and time again, who hasn't who did not take their concerns seriously, who did not convey information correctly, who did not participate in investigations. All".

Paulson, who is also the owner of the Men's League (MLS) franchise Portland Timbers, announced on Tuesday that he is stepping down as manager of the Thorns pending the conclusion of a separate investigation by the NWSL, in conjunction with the players' union.

He was joined by another club owner, that of the Chicago Red Stars, Arnim Whisler, who also announced his retirement.

“I am deeply sorry for what our players have endured during the time spent in Chicago,” said the NWSL board member.

"Our organization is determined to rebuild trust and respect (...) and I recognize that my presence at the moment is a source of confusion," he added.

"Hard time"

During the video conference, Sauerbrunn insisted on the "frustration" of her teammates and herself.

"We're exhausted and we're really, really angry. Because it took the third-party investigation, because it took articles in The Athletic and the Washington Post (which exposed the matter , note), because it took more than 200 people to share their trauma”, she regretted.

Coach Vlatko Andonovski for his part indicated that he wanted to leave the choice to the players "not to play" on Friday, if they do not feel mentally capable.

"Some people need time to think about all of this. That's why we allow them to do what they need to do to get through this difficult time."

Finally, Sauerbrunn assured that he had not thought of going on strike to force change within the NWSL.

"I didn't think about it. I hope it doesn't come to this. Many of us have navigated these waters for a very long time (...). Eventually you find a way to cope. As women, players, we had to deal with a lot of things for a very long time. Unfortunately, I would say you get used to it."

© 2022 AFP