Abuse in women’s pro football league was systemic, report says

An independent investigation into scandals that rocked the US National Women’s Soccer League last season found emotional abuse and sexual misconduct were systemic, affecting several teams, coaches and players, according to a report released on Monday.

“Abuse in the NWSL is rooted in a deeper culture in women’s soccer, beginning in youth leagues, that normalises verbally abusive coaching and blurs boundaries between coaches and players,” former deputy US attorney general Sally Yates wrote in her findings.

US Soccer commissioned the investigation by Ms Yates after former NWSL players Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim came forward with allegations of harassment and sexual coercion dating back a decade involving former coach Paul Riley.

US Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone says she is deeply troubled by Sally Yates's report. Getty / AFP

Their account was published by The Athletic last year.

Riley, who denied the allegations, was quickly fired as head coach of the North Carolina Courage, and NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird stepped down.

Five of the 10 head coaches in the NWSL last season either were fired or resigned amid allegations of misconduct.

“The players affected are not shrinking violets. They are among the best athletes in the world,” Ms Yates wrote.

More than 200 people were interviewed by investigators. About two dozen entities and people provided documents.

US Soccer also provided documents and the firm reviewed 89,000 deemed likely to be relevant.

US Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone called the findings “heart-breaking and deeply troubling”.

“The abuse described is inexcusable and has no place on any playing field, in any training facility or workplace,” Ms Parlow Cone said.

The report made recommendations to give