October 24 – Women’s football authorities in the United States have taken the first steps to implement the recommendations of the much-publicised inquiry that uncovered “systemic” abuse and misconduct by coaches of players in the country’s domestic leagues.
The findings of the inquiry, led by former acting Attorney General Sally Yates, left US players “angry and exhausted” after revealing the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) under the US Soccer Federation (USSF) failed to provide a safe environment.
Yates’ report made recommendations “aimed at preventing abuse in the future, holding wrongdoers accountable, enhancing transparency, addressing safety in youth soccer, and fostering a professional environment where players are treated with respect.”
Less than three weeks after the release of the full investigative report that was commissioned by U.S. Soccer, the federation has publicly shared one of its first implemented steps — publishing a list of individuals who are currently subject to discipline, suspension or banned entirely.
“It’s our duty to build upon the wave of change that began with the brave voices and actions of our players,” said US Soccer’s Yates implementation committee chair Danielle Slaton.
“(The) committee, together with US Soccer staff, is actively advancing the critically important steps required to implement the recommendations laid out in Sally Yates’s report as quickly and effectively as possible.”
“I’m personally dedicated to ensuring that this process results in meaningful reform in our sport, and I know the other members of the committee share that commitment.
“We are only getting started. Our Committee and US Soccer staff still have much to execute on and we will continue to do the hard work of transforming words into action and lasting change.”
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