NWSL bans four American female football coaches for life

According to a statement released by the NWSL on Monday, four football coaches who were cited in an investigation into abuse and fraud in women's football have been permanently barred from the sport.

The sanctions were a part of a comprehensive package of bans and fines levied against numerous people and organizations after the NWSL's conclusions were published in its Joint Investigative Report last month.

After an earlier investigation revealed evidence of harassment and sexual assault, the league stated last month that it had discovered "ongoing misbehavior" at most league clubs.

The NWSL inquiry took 14 months to look into player complaints, and it revealed widespread league shortcomings.

On Monday, Richie Burke, Rory Dames, Christy Holly, and Paul Riley were among the coaches who received lifetime bans.

Riley, the former head coach of the Portland Thorns, was a central figure in a separate US Soccer investigation run by Sally Yates, a former US attorney general.

According to the Yates report, which detailed charges of player insults and verbal abuse, former Chicago Red Stars coach Dames was also under investigation.

Holly, a former coach with Racing Louisville, was let go after being accused of molesting and coercing a player.

Seven additional people received suspensions as well or will have to admit fault and take responsibility for inappropriate behavior before being offered future consideration for employment with the NWSL.

The NWSL announced that its own league administration would be subject to a significant makeover and receive a fine of at least $1 million.

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said the league would “continue to prioritize implementing and enhancing the policies, programs and systems that put the health and safety of our players first.”

“Those 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,” Berman added.

The NWSL announced that the Portland Thorns will be required to pay $1 million in fines while the Chicago Red Stars would get a $1.5 million penalty.

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