US football star Rapinoe pleads for change after 'horrifying' abuse report

US star Megan Rapinoe has urged football authorities to use the "horrifying" revelations of systemic sexual abuse and misconduct in the American domestic women's game as a catalyst for change.

A report published by former US attorney general Sally Yates earlier this week featured multiple allegations of abusive behaviour by team coaches in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

More than 200 NWSL players -- many of them members of US national teams -- were interviewed by Yates and detailed patterns of abuse including manipulation and tirades.

"It's horrifying," Rapinoe told reporters on Thursday on the eve a friendly between the US women's team and England at Wembley. "Even when you know some of the information, to have it spelt out plainly like that is horrible.

"It has been difficult for the players (in the US team). Some of them will have played with those clubs and those coaches, likely have been abused in one form or another in different environments. It can definitely be re-triggering and re-traumatising.

"It's really difficult for everyone in the landscape in women's sport. Hopefully this can be a moment in time to make sure this kind of thing never happens again."

Rapinoe, who plays for OL Reign in the NWSL, wants world football's governing body FIFA and national team federations to create stricter and more defined guidelines to ensure women players are better protected in future.

"They didn't protect the players at all amid year after year of this. Every single year someone said something about multiple coaches," Rapinoe said.

"One of the main things is having some kind of policy in place. If there is absolutely nothing to hold people accountable, it's difficult.

"Whether it's FIFA or the federations, having a