"Heartbreaking conclusions", an investigation reveals widespread sexual violence in American women's football

An independent investigation, commissioned by the Federation (USSF) and published on Monday, reveals a "systemic" practice of sexual abuse and assault in American women's football, of which national team players were victims in particular as part of the championship organized by the League (NWSL).

Investigation by former U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates and law firm King & Spalding uncovered "sexually charged comments, unwanted sexual advances and touching, and forced sex in women's football in the United States.

The 172-page report includes interviews with more than 200 NWSL players and details abuse by coaches, as well as manipulation, bullying and retaliation against players who testified.

The investigation found that clubs, league officials and the American Soccer Federation "failed to respond appropriately on several occasions when confronted with complaints from players, evidence to support” and “have not put in place necessary measures to prevent and address these abuses, even though some leaders have privately acknowledged the need for workplace protections.”

This collective passivity notably allowed a coach with abusive and reprehensible behavior to move from one club to another, preceded by positive references which concealed his misconduct.

“Those at the NWSL and USSF who were in a position to correct the situation remained silent, overwhelm the investigators.

And no one within the clubs, the league or the federation has demanded better from the coaches.

»

"The findings of this investigation are heartbreaking and deeply disturbing," said USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone, a former U.S. Women's National Team player who took office in 2020 and launched the investigation there. a year ago.

“The abuses described are inexcusable and have no place on a pitch, training facility or other workplace.

The Federation is fully committed to doing everything in its power to ensure that all players – at all levels – have a safe and respectful place to learn, grow and compete,” she added. .