National Women’s Soccer League Releases Statement in Response to the Sally Q. Yates Report Commissioned by U.S. Soccer

NEW YORK – The NWSL is going to immediately review the Yates Report commissioned by U.S. Soccer.

We greatly appreciate our players, staff and stakeholders’ cooperation with both investigations, especially during the ongoing season. We recognize the anxiety and mental strain that these pending investigations have caused and the trauma that many – including players and staff – are having to relive. We continue to admire their courage in coming forward to share their stories and influence all the changes necessary to keep moving our league forward. Establishing trust and confidence between the League, its players, and other key stakeholders remains a central focus for the NWSL, and we know that we must learn from and take responsibility for the painful lessons of the past in order to move the League into a better future. The findings and recommendations from both reports will be critical to informing and implementing systemic reform and ensuring that the NWSL is a league where players are supported, on and off the pitch, with safe and professional environments to train and compete.

The NWSL/NWSLPA joint and independent investigation into misconduct against players in the league is ongoing. We have asked the Joint Investigative Team to consider the recommendations set forth in the Yates Report when making their recommendations to the NWSL. Moreover, we have asked the Joint Investigative Team to review – and investigate as necessary – the findings in the Yates Report when concluding their report.

The NWSL, alongside the NWSLPA, continue to encourage current and former players and staff with information relating to discrimination, harassment, abuse, retaliation or bullying towards players in the league, to contact NWSL_Investigation@cov.com, or to reach out to the NWSL or NWSLPA directly, or through any other club and league reporting channels.