An investigation reveals “systemic” abuse in the US Women’s Professional Soccer League.

Euskaraz irakurri: Ikerketa independente batek abusu “sistematikoa” azaleratu du AEBko Emakumezkoen Futbol Liga Profesionalean

An independent investigation has revealed years of “systematic” abuse in the United States Women’s Professional Soccer League (NWSL).

The more than 300-page report, led by former acting attorney general Sally Q. Yates, noted that “verbal and emotional abuse and sexual misconduct had become systemic, encompassing multiple teams, coaches and victims.”

To reach these conclusions they have conducted more than 200 interviews. “Players described a pattern of sexually charged comments, unwanted sexual advances and sexual touching, and coercive sexual intercourse,” the report said.

Players and former soccer players in the United States demand measures

Soccer players and former soccer players in the USA have joined forces to demand action and radical change.

The NWSL Players Union (NWSLPA), has pointed out that “although this report is difficult to read, it has been even more painful for the players, known or not, who lived through it”. “We appreciate the efforts to seek the truth and for supporting our work to transform the NWSL,” added the union, asking that the NWSL focus from now on being a league that prioritizes “the safety of its players.”

For its part, the US women’s team players association (USWNT Players) has also defended in a press release that all soccer players “deserve to work in an environment free of discrimination, harassment and abusive conduct.” “We urge the United States Federation (USSF) to implement the recommendations (of the report) immediately,” they added.

The NWSL, for its part, has stressed the need to “implement systemic reform” in its competition to ensure that the league is a place “where players are supported, on and off the field, with safe and professional environments to train and to compete”.