NWSL BANS Paul Riley, Christy Holly, Rory Dames, and Richie Burke for LIFE from the league

The National Women’s Soccer League announced a series of fines and punishments stemming from its joint investigation into abuse and misconduct by coaches and executives from its clubs.

Most notably, four former coaches accused of abuse and misconduct have been banned for life and two clubs are receiving fines in the millions of dollars.

Former coaches Paul Riley, Christy Holly, Rory Dames, and Richie Burke have all been permanently excluded from the NWSL over their actions.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Red Stars and Portland Thorns are both set to pay hefty fines – with Chicago fined $1.5million and Portland ordered to pay $1million.

The NWSL has announced a series of punishments for clubs and coaches for misconduct

Both of those clubs are in the process of being sold and Portland owner Merritt Paulson’s fine will be directed to the establishment of an NWSL Player Safety Office.

The NWSL also added that they will work with the owners of both teams to, ‘ensure the club is transferred in an expeditious and appropriate manner.’

The NWSL Players Association released a statement following the announcement saying, ‘This marks a critical step towards holding clubs and team leaders accountable for their actions, or inactions, that compromised and betrayed player safety.

‘People in positions of power who have perpetrated harm on Players have been relieved of their duties, banned from the league, suspended, or fined.

‘A new NWSL begins today. No sanction will ever be enough to undo the harm that too many Players endured. By taking our power back, Players have achieved a complete and total overhaul of the NWSL ecosystem, from the league office to club ownership and staff, with new policies and systems in place to protect player safety.’ 

This is a developing story. More to come.