After it was revealed that one of the team’s coaches allegedly sexually harassed his students, Lisa Bird, president of the North American Women’s Professional Soccer League (NWSL), has resigned. The International Football Association Board (FIFA) has also launched an investigation into the matter, MTI wrote.
| North American Women’s Professional Football League (NWSL) captain Lisa Bird has resigned (Image: Getty Images) |
The Athletic Portal reported Thursday that North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley, who won championships with his squad in 2018 and 2019, sexually harassed and forced his players. The allegations were made public on the website after interviews with more than a dozen soccer players, and those involved have been the coach’s students since 2010.
The specialist, who is reported to be denying the charges, has been removed from his post and the league has postponed all league matches over the weekend. Byrd, taking responsibility, left the executive chair.
FIFA has announced that it will launch an investigation, through which it will communicate with interested parties, including the United States Federation and the NFL.
Riley’s case is not the first, two other coaches have previously lost their jobs due to “improper behaviour”. According to the Women’s Players Association, system-wide violations occur in the league.
