The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced on Monday that four football coaches who were involved in an investigation into abuse and malpractice in women’s football had been permanently banned from the sport.
Following the publication of the NWSL’s conclusions in its Joint Investigative Report last month, a broad range of suspensions and fines were levied against numerous people and organizations. These penalties were a part of that package.
Following a previous investigation that revealed evidence of sexual assault and harassment, the league last month stated that it had discovered “ongoing misbehavior” at most league clubs.
The NWSL study took 14 months to look into player complaints and found systematic failings by the league.
Paul Riley, Christy Holly, Rory Dames, and Richie Burke were among the coaches who received lifetime bans on Monday.
In a separate US Soccer investigation directed by former US Attorney General Sally Yates, former Portland Thorns coach Riley was a key witness.
According to the Yates report, which detailed charges of player insults and verbal abuse, former Chicago Red Stars coach Dames was also under investigation.
Holly, a former coach with Racing Louisville, was dismissed after being accused of sexually assaulting and coercing a player.
Meanwhile, Burke of The Washington Spirit was alleged to have said something regarding racial and ethnicity.
Seven additional people received suspensions as well or will have to admit fault and take responsibility for inappropriate behavior before being offered future consideration for employment with the NWSL.
The NWSL announced that its own league administration would be subject to a sweeping overhaul and face a fine of $1 million.