NWSL: Four coaches including Paul Riley given lifetime bans following abuse and misconduct investigation

The investigation was commissioned after several players came forward with allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct against former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley in 2021.

Riley has been banned for life from NWSL, America’s top women’s league, along with former Racing Louisville coach Christy Holly, former Chicago Red Stars coach Rory Dames and former Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke.

Two clubs, the Chicago Red Stars and Portland Thorns, have been fined $1.5m (£1.24m) and $1m (£824,170) respectively.

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement the actions “are fundamental to the future of our league, especially as we build a league that strengthens our players’ ability to succeed and prosper on and off the pitch”.

“As part of our commitment to accountability and deterrence, the league has determined that further corrective action with respect to certain organisations and individuals identified in the Joint Investigative Report is appropriate and necessary,” added Berman.

“The league and its clubs have taken meaningful steps to begin this structural reform.”

As well as the four lifetime bans, a number of other individuals will only be allowed to return to the league on certain conditions, which include acknowledging misconduct, participating in training and committing to appropriate behaviour.

That includes current Republic of Ireland coach Vera Pauw.

Pauw was coach of Houston Dash in 2018 and was accused by the investigation of body shaming players, allegations which she has denied.

“To suggest I would body shame any human being, footballer or not, is an insult to my personal values,” she told the BBC in December. “I cannot allow this claim to go unchallenged.”

Pauw’s successor, James Clarkson, must also meet the same conditions to return.

Former coach of Utah Royals, Craig Harrington, and ex-Gotham general manager Alyse LaHue have been given two-year bans.

According to the investigation, Harrington was found to have “made inappropriate sexual and objectifying comments”, while LaHue was alleged to have sent players inappropriate messages.

The NWSL Players’ Association said in a statement: “Today the NWSL announced disciplinary sanctions for clubs and individuals who committed or enabled misconduct since the league began in 2013.

“This marks a critical step towards holding clubs and team leaders accountable for their actions, or inactions, that compromised and betrayed player safety.

“People in positions of power who have perpetrated harm on players have been relieved of their duties, banned from the league, suspended or fined.”