NWSL Creates $5 Million Fund for Players after Abuse Scandal
Settlement Stems from Allegations of Emotional and Sexual Misconduct
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has established a $5 million fund for players as part of a settlement that arose from allegations of emotional and sexual misconduct that rocked the league in 2021. Attorneys general from Washington, D.C., Illinois, and New York announced the settlement on Wednesday.
Funds to Support Players Who Experienced Abuse
The funds will go to players who experienced abuse, as part of a settlement that also requires the league to maintain safeguards put into place following a pair of investigations released in late 2022. The investigations found widespread misconduct that impacted multiple teams, coaches, and players.
Safeguards to Prevent Future Harm
The settlement also mandates that the league maintain comprehensive vetting of certain team personnel, mechanisms for players to report abuse, player access to free and unlimited counseling, access to a league safety officer, and policies that prevent teams from investigating themselves.
Overseeing Changes and Enforcement Mechanisms
The attorneys general will have the ability to oversee changes that the NWSL made after the scandal broke and the ability to fine the league if it fails to uphold those changes.
Commissioner’s Statement
“We have worked collaboratively with the NWSLPA and the attorneys general to add greater strength to the programmatic changes we adopted in 2023 in light of the joint investigative reports, and we look forward to supporting the administrator in distributing the Players’ Restitution Fund,” said current NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “We will continue to do the work necessary to maintain the trust of our players.”
Background on the Scandal
A pair of former players, Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim, came forward in 2021 and accused longtime NWSL coach Paul Riley of sexual harassment and coercion. Riley, who has denied the allegations, was fired by the North Carolina Courage in the aftermath. He was among five head coaches in the league who were either fired or resigned in 2021 amid claims of misconduct.
Investigations and Findings
The NWSL and U.S. Soccer launched investigations into the allegations. The U.S. Soccer report, led by former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Q. Yates, found emotional abuse and sexual misconduct were “systemic” in the sport.
Impact and Reactions
The scandal led to widespread outrage and calls for change within the league. The NWSL Players Association negotiated safeguards in the league’s collective bargaining agreement, and the league implemented changes to protect players.
Player Union’s Statement
“This investigation was initiated by the NWSLPA because players refused to stay silent in the face of systemic abuse,” said Meghann Burke, NWSLPA executive director. “The human rights and civil rights violations they endured were enabled by a system that failed in its most basic duty: to protect its players. This settlement not only acknowledges those failures but, for the first time, establishes enforcement mechanisms under the law to hold NWSL accountable and to prevent future harm.”
Conclusion
The NWSL’s $5 million fund for players is a significant step towards addressing the harm caused by the abuse scandal. The settlement and the ongoing efforts to maintain safeguards and protect players demonstrate the league’s commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for its athletes.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the $5 million fund?
A: The fund will provide support to players who experienced abuse as part of the settlement.
Q: What are the safeguards put in place to prevent future harm?
A: The league will maintain comprehensive vetting of certain team personnel, mechanisms for players to report abuse, player access to free and unlimited counseling, access to a league safety officer, and policies that prevent teams from investigating themselves.
Q: Who will oversee the changes made by the NWSL?
A: The attorneys general from Washington, D.C., Illinois, and New York will oversee the changes made by the league.
Q: What is the significance of this settlement?
A: The settlement acknowledges the harm caused by the abuse scandal and establishes enforcement mechanisms under the law to hold NWSL accountable and to prevent future harm.
