The North American Women’s Football League (NWSL), shaken by allegations of sexual misconduct against a coach, and denounced for its inaction, decided on Friday that its league matches scheduled for this weekend would not be played.
“This week, and much of this season, has been incredibly traumatic for our players and staff, and I take full responsibility for the role I have played. I am so sorry for the pain that so many people have suffered. feel “NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird said in a statement.
“Realizing this trauma, we decided not to go to the pitch this weekend in order to give everyone a chance to reflect. Day-to-day business is not our concern at the moment. Our league has a lot going on. to repair, and our players deserve so much better “, she added.
This decision, taken in agreement with the players’ union (NWSLPA), comes the day after the dismissal by North Carolina Courage of coach Paul Riley who faces allegations of sexual misconduct, including forced intercourse.
“The league has been informed on multiple occasions and each time refused to investigate”
Two former players, Sinead Farrelly and Meleana “Mana” Shim, told The Athletic site to have had to deal on several occasions, since 2010, with the alleged inappropriate behavior of the 58-year-old Englishman, whose license to trainer has had to deal with. elsewhere was suspended Thursday by the American Football Federation.
Riley disputed these “completely false” claims. “I have never had sexual relations with these players, nor made them sexual advances,” he defended himself to the media.
In recent hours, reactions of indignation and anger have poured in, some denouncing in particular the passivity of the NSWL. “The league has been informed on multiple occasions and each time refused to investigate”, affirmed the American international Alex Morgan, who played under the orders of Riley at the same time as the two accusers in Portland, confirming their allegations.
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