An independent investigation - published last Monday - revealed a resounding scandal of sexual abuse and misconduct against professional women players in the American Football League, and that their abuse was systematic, in light of the failure of the Federation and the Women's League to protect the players sufficiently.

The investigation was published in a shocking report consisting of about 173 pages, and it lasted for more than a year to reveal one of the biggest sports scandals in the United States.

There is evidence of sexual misconduct and emotional abuse towards players in the Women's National Football League, the highest division of American women's football, according to the report.

There is evidence that it is systematic, with many coaches, clubs and players participating in it.

"Abuse in the Women's National Football League is rooted in a deeper culture in the women's game, beginning with the women's leagues, where verbally abusive training blurs the lines between coaches and players," said Sally Yates, head of the investigation team.

The report revealed some systematic cases, including a coach calling a player to watch a video clip of the game, but at the end of it he shows her pornographic clips, and other cases revealed by the players’ testimonies, forcing two players to have sexual relations with each other.

The investigation "found that the NFL and NFL administrations, the sport's governing body, as well as the clubs' owners, executives and coaches, repeatedly failed to respond adequately when faced with player reports and evidence of abuse, but also failed to take basic measures," Yates said. to prevent and treat it.

The report also revealed that 3 clubs did not cooperate with investigators, and one of them attempted to deny investigators access to relevant witnesses, and presented misleading legal arguments in an attempt to prevent the use of relevant documents.

He also revealed that the violations date back to several years, and one of the main coaches involved is Paul Riley, the former Portland coach, against whom the players filed complaints of sexual misconduct every year from 2015 to 2021.

The players are angry

Megan Rapinoe, the women's soccer player, commented on the scandal, saying that she and all her female colleagues felt angry and exhausted after the report was issued.

"It's unfortunate to say that, but somehow we have to deal with one thing or the other like that," Rapinoe said ahead of the England friendly at Wembley on Friday. We are used to playing in these conditions."

The winner of two World Cup titles stressed that it was necessary to hold those involved accountable, and singled out Merritt Paulson, owner of the Portland Thorns, and Arnhem Whistler, owner of the Chicago Red Stars, after their names were mentioned in the report.

After the report was published, Paulson distanced himself from team decision-making, and Whistler was removed from the team leadership, but neither has indicated any plans to sell the teams yet.

"I don't think it would be appropriate for Paulson to continue as the owner of this team," Rapinoe said.

"We need to see such people leave to make way for the right characters, who will take care of the game, respect it and help it grow in the best possible way," she added.

Rapinoe acknowledged that it was difficult for the members of the team, but she is grateful to be with them on the team, and is waiting to be welcomed on the field.

"We are angry and drained, but we are together and united. It is good to be together as a team," Rapinoe said.