U.S. Soccer Statement:
U.S. Soccer will immediately launch an independent investigation into the allegations of abusive behavior and sexual misconduct reported yesterday by The Athletic . U.S. Soccer played a major role in establishing the NWSL in 2013 and provided administrative support to the league until it became fully independent last year. U.S. Soccer continues to support the NWSL financially, and many of its senior National team players compete in the league today. We take seriously our responsibility to vigorously investigate the abhorrent behavior that has been reported and gain a full and frank understanding of the factors that allowed it to happen, and the changes that should be made to make sure it does not happen again. Our goals throughout this process will be transparency, cooperation and accountability.
“Player safety and respect is the paramount responsibility of every person involved in this game. That is true across every age, competition and ability level,” said Cindy Cone, President of U.S. Soccer, who was elected President in 2020 and has since brought in a new leadership team. “We owe it to each athlete, each fan and the entire soccer community to take every meaningful action in our power to ensure nothing like this ever happens again. We hope to work together with all parties in this important effort.”
The Federation is currently working to engage an investigator with deep experience with high-profile allegations of workplace misconduct. The investigator will be given full autonomy to follow the facts and evidence wherever they may lead, and U.S. Soccer is committed to sharing the results of the investigation when it concludes
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