Attorneys general from Washington, D. The funds will go to players who experienced abuse. The settlement also requires the league to maintain safeguards put into place following a pair of investigations released in late that found widespread misconduct that impacted multiple teams, coaches and players. It also gives the attorneys general, Brian L.
Schwalb of Washington, D. Riley, who has denied the allegations, was fired by the North Carolina Courage in the aftermath. He was among five head coaches in the league who were either fired or resigned in amid claims of misconduct. The NWSL commissioner at the time also resigned. Jessica Berman, commissioner of the National Women's Soccer League, announces at a news conference the securing of a bid by a Denver group to enter the league Thursday, Jan.
Soccer, launched investigations into the allegations. The U. Soccer report was led by former acting U. Attorney General Sally Q. Following the investigation, the NWSL implemented changes to protect players. This is a continued fight that we cannot abandon, because of vigilance to protect the players should never stop. Nor is it justice. This fund exists because players refuse to be silenced. If the NWSL is safer today, it is because players fought to make it that way.
Among the safeguards that are mandated to continue under the settlement include comprehensive vetting of certain team personnel, mechanisms for players to report abuse, player access to free and unlimited counseling, access to a league safety officer and policies that prevent teams from investigating themselves. The league said the restitution fund would be administered by retired Judge Barbara S. Jones, who was an independent member of the committee overseeing the NWSL's investigation with its players' union.
Jones has 45 days to develop a plan to distribute the funds, which she will submit to the three attorneys general for approval. On approval, the players, both past and present, will be notified and they will have six months to apply. The NWSL played its inaugural season in The professional women's league now has 14 teams, with two more joining in Soccer Watch highlights Scores and stats Columnists.
