The U.S. Soccer Federation received three recent reports of misconduct in the game this week after details of systemic emotional abuse and sexual misconduct within the National Women’s Soccer League were revealed in an independent investigation, U.S. Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone told CNN.
Parlow Cone was interviewed twice Friday by the tv network and didn’t provide details of the brand new misconduct cases. She said the U.S. Center for SafeSport and other authorities have been made aware of the three recent reports.
“I’m also hoping that folks do feel secure now to come back forward or are … learning about where to come back forward to report this because that is so essential,” Parlow Cone told CNN. “We’re not going to have the opportunity to root it out unless more brave people come forward to inform us.”
Five of 10 NWSL coaches either were fired or stepped down last season amid allegations of misconduct.
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Greater than 200 people were interviewed by investigators looking into the allegations of harassment and sexual coercion and abuse. The NWSL, U.S. Soccer, teams and individuals provided documents. The independent investigation, run by former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Q. Yates and the law firm King & Spaulding, focused on three former coaches: Paul Riley, with the Portland Thorns and later the North Carolina Courage, Christy Holly of Racing Louisville and Rory Dames of the Chicago Red Stars.
On Wednesday, the Portland Thorns dismissed a pair of team executives a day after owner Merritt Paulson removed himself from a decision-making role with the team. Chicago Red Stars owner Arnim Whisler also stepped back from his role, and Racing Louisville President James O’Connor apologized to fans and a former player who alleged she was sexually abused by Holly.
On Friday, England and the U.S. women’s teams played a friendly before nearly 77,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. They wore teal armbands in solidarity with sexual abuse victims and together held a banner that read “Protect the Players” just before kickoff.
The Yates report made quite a few recommendations to prioritize player health and safety. U.S. Soccer also said it will immediately implement programs to guard players.
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