The U.S. National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) have postponed this weekend's matches after a report detailed allegations of misconduct against former North Carolina Courage head coach Paul Riley.
Paul Riley talks to his North Carolina Courage players after a NWSL Challenge Cup match in 2020. Photo: AFP
The Athletic on Friday (NZT) outlined allegations of sexual coercion and misconduct by Riley, who led the Courage to back-to-back NWSL championships in 2018 and 2019, after speaking to more than a dozen players he coached since 2010.
Riley was sacked by the Courage and league hours later.
"This week, and much of this season, has been incredibly traumatic for our players and staff, and I take full responsibility for the role I have played. I am so sorry for the pain so many are feeling," NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird said in a statement on the league's website.
"Recognizing that trauma, we have decided not to take the field this weekend to give everyone some space to reflect.
"Business as usual isn't our concern right now. Our entire league has a great deal of healing to do, and our players deserve so much better."
The report sent shockwaves through the sport and the players' association demanded sweeping changes across the league, as some of soccer's most prominent figures - including two-time World Cup winners and NWSL players Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan - voiced their outrage.
"This pause will be the first step as we collectively work to transform the culture of this league, something that is long overdue," said Baird.
The Athletic report came days after another head coach in the league, Richie Burke of the Washington Spirit, was terminated with cause. He had previously been suspended following allegations of abuse detailed by the Washington.
Football Ferns defender Abby Erceg was due to lead the North Caroina Courage in a match against the Washington Spirit on Saturday (NZT).
New Zealand teammates Ali Riley and Katie Bowen were supposed to play for their teams tomorrow.
Riley's Orlando Pride were scheduled to play the Chicago Red Stars, while Bowen was due to play for Kansas City in their match against the Houston Dash.
- Reuters/RNZ
