National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) players who’ve reported abuse from coaches and staff are entitled to a $5 million fund after a Wednesday settlement with the organization following years of abuse.
“For too long, the hardworking and talented women of the National Women’s Soccer League were forced to endure an unacceptable culture of abuse, harassment, and retaliation,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement posted by the NWSL Players Association.
“This settlement sends a clear message that such misconduct will not be tolerated and ensures players receive the compensation and protections they deserve.”
Allegations of misconduct against NWSL coaches and officials came to light in 2021. Amid the scandal, several prominent soccer players criticized the league and demanded an independent investigation into the allegations.
New York, Illinois and Washington, D.C. all opened investigations that determined the league did not protect its players.
The funds will go to players who experienced abuse, and the league is required to maintain safeguards put into place following investigations that found widespread misconduct among several teams, according to the Associated Press.
The settlement also gives attorneys general, Brian L. Schwalb of Washington, D.C., Letitia James of New York and Kwame Raoul of Illinois, the ability to oversee changes made and fine the league if it fails to uphold those changes.
“We remain grateful to the many brave individuals who came forward to share their experiences, which has informed our approach to systemic reform,” NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement.
She said the organization would do the necessary work to earn the “trust” of future athletes.
