England Women to join United States in a show of solidarity for victims of NWSL abuse scandal
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England players will join forces with the United States to show solidarity with the victims of the abuse scandal ahead of Friday night’s sold-out international at Wembley.
Soccer in America has been rocked by an independent investigation that found that abusive and sexual misconduct had “become systemic” in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Lionesses striker Beth Mead said she was “sick” with the situation, while head coach Sarina Wiegman called it “appalling” and “unacceptable”.
“We’re in touch with the US team and some players,” Mead said.
Beth Mead said in a press conference that she is ‘sick’ of the NWSL abuse scandal
England, led by manager Sarina Wiegman, joins the US on Friday in a show of solidarity
“We are working on something to show our support for them. Nothing is final yet, but we’re going to do something.
“When I found out, I was shocked by the situation. It’s a global problem, but women need to be taken seriously. (I am) very proud of the victims who actually stood up and said it.
‘People have to do better, the American government has to do better, globally we have to do better.’
US Soccer said it would immediately move to reform after allegations of misconduct were leveled against a handful of male coaches after interviewing more than 200 people, including NWSL players.
The investigation, conducted by Sally Yates and King & Spalding LLP, was launched last year and includes claims against Englishman Paul Riley, Rory Dames and Northern Irishman Christy Holly. All three deny doing anything wrong.
Five of the ten NWSL coaches were fired or resigned last season over allegations of misconduct. Among them was North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley, who was fired after two former players, Mana Shim (right) and Sinead Farrelly (left), accused him of sexual coercion and harassment for a decade. Riley denied the allegations
US Soccer ordered the investigation by Yates and the law firm King & Spaulding after former NWSL players Sinead Farrelly and Shim came forward with allegations of harassment and sexual coercion spanning a decade involving former coach Paul Riley (pictured), who accusations denied
Mead, who was named England Women’s Player of the Year for 2021-22 on Thursday after winning the golden boot for Euro 2022, believes players have more confidence to speak out on such issues.
“We feel we have a good platform to make a difference,” said the Arsenal star.
“We wrote the open letter about gym in school for girls and we want to use our platform and our voice for the greater good of women’s play and women’s sport in general.
“It’s something we’re more confident in, but we also have the full support of the FA.”
Portland Thorns fans hold signs referring to abuse of players during a 2021 game
Shim says she first complained about Riley in 2015 when she played for him on the Portland Thorns. But although the team declined to re-sign him when his contract expired, he was still hired by the NWSL’s Western New York Flash the following season and by the Courage in 2017
Lioness boss Wiegman announced that Millie Bright would lead the squad for the friendly in front of approximately 90,000 fans due to the absence of fellow defender Leah Williamson.
She echoed Mead’s comments that abuse in women’s sports is a global problem.
“My first reaction is that it is terrible, unacceptable that it is still happening and I feel very, very sorry for all the victims,” said the Dutch coach.
‘Of course it has to stop immediately, we all agree on that.
“This problem in the US, I think it’s still a global problem and now really is the time we all stand up and stop these things. Whatever abuse it is, it’s just horrible and really unacceptable.’
After the injuries of Williamson, Lucy Parker and Alessia Russo, England have no further selection problems.
Shim, one of the whistleblowers, was failed by her club, league and the system in general, according to her friend and former teammate, US National Team star Alex Morgan (pictured)
Former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates conducted the investigation into the NWSL