- The abuse scandal in US women’s football has widened after the responsible commission of inquiry presented new results.
- The 172-page report deals with “verbal and emotional violence, sexist language, unwanted sexual advances, touching and forced sexual intercourse”.
- In the run-up, two players had described the alleged sexual assaults of their ex-coach in an article by “The Athletic”.
Afterwards, former prosecutor Sally Q. Yates and her commission spoke to more than 200 players from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Among them were also some national players. Abuse in the NWSL is ingrained and of enormous scope, Yates said.
Legend:
Sally Q. Yates is known, among other things, because she was appointed Deputy Attorney General under Obama.
Keystone / Steven Senne (May 24, 2017)
Her commission found a league in which “systematic abuse and sexual misconduct” were the order of the day. “The players who told their stories showed great courage,” she continued.
“Now is the time for the institutions that have failed them so far to listen to the players concerned and enact reform to protect them.” According to Yates, this includes the clubs, those responsible for the league and the association.
Association describes findings as disturbing
“The results of the investigation are extremely disturbing,” said Cindy Parlow Cone, president of the association and a two-time Olympic champion and one-time world champion as a player with the national team.
Legend:
US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone called the results “heartbreaking and deeply disturbing,” adding, “The abuse described is inexcusable and has no place on the field, training facility or workplace.”
Keystone / Julio Cortez (September 6, 2022)
The abuse described in the report is inexcusable and should not have a place in any area of life. After the massive allegations of sexual assault in the NWSL, the US Soccer Association commissioned Yates to investigate the cases.