London — Megan Rapinoe urged football officials to utilize the “horrifying” accusations of rampant sexual abuse and misbehavior in American domestic women’s football as a catalyst for change.
A report revealed by former U.S. attorney general Sally Yates earlier this week contained many allegations of abusive conduct by National Women’s Soccer League team coaches (NWSL).
Yates interviewed over 200 NWSL players, many of whom were part of US national teams, and uncovered patterns of abuse involving manipulation and tirades.
Rapinoe told reporters on the eve of a friendly between the United States and England at Wembley on Thursday, “It’s awful.” Even if you already know some of the information, it is dreadful to see it stated so plainly.
It has been challenging for the guys” (in the US team). Some of them will have played with such clubs and coaches and have presumably been subjected to various forms of abuse in various contexts. It has the potential to re-trigger and re-traumatize.
“The situation of women’s athletics is incredibly challenging for everyone. “Hopefully, this will be a turning point that ensures this will never happen again.”
Rapinoe, who plays for the OL Reign in the NWSL, wants Fifa and national team federations to adopt stronger and more defined criteria to protect female players in the future.
“They did little to protect the players as this continued year after year. “Every year, someone says something about numerous coaches,” says Rapinoe.
“One of the most important factors is having a policy in place. It is challenging to hold people accountable if there is no accountability mechanism.
“Whether it’s FIFA or the federations, the players must have confidence in a reporting system with teeth.
“Obviously, this is a massive task, as many of these federations lack adequate funding. As custodians of the game, Fifa is obligated to do everything in their power to ensure player safety.
Rapinoe, a two-time World Cup champion, stated that it was terrible that the US team had become accustomed to coping with the aftermath of scandals involving the harassment of female players.
“We are enraged and fatigued, as well as unified and united. “It’s very unfortunate to say, but we’re accustomed to dealing with a variety of situations,” she said.
“We’ve had to shoulder a great deal of responsibility, whether it be the lawsuit, equal pay, or kneeling. We are accustomed to taking on a great deal more than game strategy and tactics.”
The investigation accuses Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson of condoning misbehavior by former Thorns manager Paul Riley. Paulson subsequently indicated that he would no longer participate in decision-making.
And following the publishing of the story, Chicago Red Stars owner and NWSL board member Arnim Whisler said he was resigning from his positions.
“Merritt Paulson is unfit to be the owner of that team, in my opinion. I do not believe Arnim is qualified to own Chicago. We require their removal,” Rapinoe stated.
US head coach Vlatko Andonovski stated earlier this week that members of his squad would be permitted to sit out this week’s match between the world champions and the European champions if they felt they were not in the proper mindset.
England forward Beth Mead stated earlier on Thursday that the European champions would join the US players in a show of unity prior to Friday’s friendly in front of a sold-out crowd.
Rapinoe, 37, applauded the gesture, stating, “It means the world that they recognize what we’re going through.
“No report has been published in this country, but I believe there may be one in every nation. We are all fighting for the same objectives.”
AFP