NWSL still crawling with misconduct and player abuse, new report finds

New York, New York - A second investigative report has found ongoing, widespread misconduct continues to plague the US National Women's Soccer League.

The NWSL has a systemic problem with misconduct and player abuse, an investigative report says.
The NWSL has a systemic problem with misconduct and player abuse, an investigative report says.  © MADDIE MEYER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

A joint investigation unit for the NWSL and its players association (NWSLPA) released its findings on Wednesday.

The unit found sexual misconduct and harassment were widespread in the league, alongside incidents of abuse of power, volatile and manipulative working conditions, and psychological manipulation.

"Misconduct against players has occurred at the vast majority of NWSL clubs at various times, from the earliest years of the League to the present," the report said.

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The "underlying culture" of the league created a "fertile ground" for misconduct to go unreported, it said.

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said the report reflected how the league "systemically failed to protect" players, for which she apologized.

"They deserve, at a minimum, a safe and secure environment to participate at the highest level in a sport they love, and they have my unwavering commitment that delivering that change will remain a priority each and every day," she said in a statement.

"We are committed to making all the necessary changes to create a safe and positive environment for our players, staff and fans."

The investigation was commissioned after a wave of allegations that rocked the league last year, leading to a string of resignations that stretched into 2022.

Cover photo: MADDIE MEYER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

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