Why player-coach relationships are an issue in women's football

Personal relationships between players and coaches in women's football have been described as «inappropriate», because they create a «power imbalance» and can lead to a «potential abuse of players».

But they still exist at many clubs in the top two leagues in England and several sources have told BBC Sport that everyone in women's football knows of at least one.

So why are they so common and should they be allowed to happen?

It's a taboo subject which contributed to Mark Sampson's sacking as England manager in 2017 and still concerns Women's Super League club board members, coaches and players that BBC Sport has spoken to.

And it's an issue which has been debated again after the recent scandal in America's NWSL, where English coach Paul Riley was sacked from his job at North Carolina Courage following allegations of sexual misconduct with two players, which he denies.

One of those players — Mana Shim, who was coached by Riley at Portland Thorns — said seven of the eight male coaches she worked with had personal relationships with players, and one of four female coaches.

«There's a power imbalance that makes any sexual or romantic relationships inappropriate,» she added. «Why is this our norm?»

Similar questions were raised after Sampson lost his job after «inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour» with players in his role at Bristol Academy.

But because player-coach relationships are not illegal, as long as no minors are involved, they are still allowed to happen, albeit they can breach codes of conduct.

It leads to lots of grey areas — not helped by a perceived culture of silence in the game because so many have had first- or second-hand experience of such personal relationships.

That is why there are calls from players,