An investigation by the United States Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the players’ association (NWSLPA) this Wednesday denounced that soccer players of at least six of the twelve clubs participating in the championship continue to be victims of abuse and abusive treatment.
The investigation was commissioned by the NWSL and the NWSLPA to the law firm ‘Covington & Burling LLP’ and ‘Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP’ fourteen months ago, after a group of players complained that the American women’s soccer is the scene of systematic abuse by coaches and managers.
According to this 128-page report, abuses continue to occur at “more than half of the clubs” participating in the NWSL and this is because the league, despite the efforts made so far, still has also an unstable environment that favors disruptive behavior. .
“The NWSL has stepped up efforts to crack down on misconduct, taken more responsibility, and experienced a culture shift toward behaviors that are no longer tolerated. However, there is still significant work to be done, ” the report said.
“During this investigation, the investigative team received reports of misconduct from more than half of the clubs in the league,” it added.
In addition, it was noted that the players “were often reminded of the weakness and lack of financial stability of the league.”
“From the first moment, the players were asked to be grateful, even if they were not given the resources or respect that is due to professional athletes,” the researchers considered.
The Commissioner apologized
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman acknowledged that the league “systematically failed to protect players” and apologized for the mistakes made.
He vowed to work to heal the league, take steps to right the wrongs and reform the system.
“We are committed to creating a healthy and positive environment for our players, coaching staff and fans,” he added.
Portland and Chicago, among the victims
Among those responsible for the shameful treatment of the players are Arnim Whisler, owner of the Chicago Red Stars, and Merritt Paulson, owner of the Portland Thorns, current NWSL champions.
Last week, Whisler decided to begin the process of selling the club, while Paulson resigned from his position in October due to “abhorrent and predatory” behavior.
“I apologize to our players, the franchise, and the Portland community for the mistakes we made. It breaks my heart that my goal is to create a shining example of what women’s sports can be. has become synonymous with despicable and predatory behavior,” Paulson said.
The report disclosures
In nearly 200 interviews with former and current players, coaches, club owners or squad personnel, manipulative tactics that are more about abusing power than improving the game and a worrying pattern of comments with sexual content are revealed. .
The teams, the League and the Federation “have not only systematically failed to respond adequately when faced with complaints from players and signs of abuse, but also when it comes to establishing measures to prevent and deal with it ,” that document stressed.
As a result of this lack of vigilance, the coaches responsible for these abuses moved from team to team without anyone terminating their contracts, whitewashed by press releases in which the clubs thanked them for service they provided.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
