Inquiry shows abuse and misconduct 'systemic' in NWSL

An independent investigation showed abuse and misconduct "had become systemic" in the top-flight National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the governing body US Soccer said it would move immediately to implement reforms.

NWSL was forced into a reckoning a year ago as a report from The Athletic outlined allegations of sexual abuse by former North Carolina Courage head coach Paul Riley, after speaking to more than a dozen players he had coached since 2010.

The Athletic said Riley denied "the majority" of the allegations.

Limavady man and former head coach for Racing Louisville FC coach Christy Holly is also named in the report.

The report recounts an alleged April 2021 encounter between Holly and Erin Simon, who now plays in the WSL for Leicester City.

Holly was fired by Louisville in August of 2021 but did not reveal the circumstances surrounding his dismissal.

The fallout engulfed the league, prompting the departure of former Commissioner Lisa Baird and demands for reform, while half of the NWSL teams parted ways with their head coaches over player complaints before the end of the 2021 season.

US Soccer brought on Sally Q. Yates and King & Spalding LLP to conduct the independent inquiry and released the full findings.

"Our investigation has revealed a league in which abuse and misconduct - verbal and emotional abuse and sexual misconduct -had become systemic, spanning multiple teams, coaches, and victims," the Yates' report said.

US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone called the investigation's findings "heartbreaking and deeply troubling."

The NWSL said it would immediately review the findings.

A joint investigation between the league and its players' association is ongoing.

"We greatly appreciate our players, staff and