U.S. women's soccer under investigation

An investigation commissioned by the US Soccer Federation has found emotional abuse and sexual misconduct from coaches were systemic in the National Women's Soccer League, spanning multiple teams and often dismissed by governing bodies. The report (see here), released yesterday, comes a year after women's professional soccer players began speaking out about cases of harassment and abuse.

The findings from the independent probe comprise information from over 200 interviews and highlight disturbing patterns of sexual misconduct within the league, including sexually charged comments and unwanted advances. The report largely focuses on former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley, former Chicago Red Stars coach Rory Dames, and former Racing Louisville head coach Christy Holly. The report also details a previously undisclosed encounter between then-player Erin Simon and Holly.

The national soccer federation announced actions it plans to take, including forming a safety task force consisting of at least one-third membership of athletes.