Megan Rapinoe, a standout for the US national team, has pleaded with football authorities to act as a change agent in light of the “horrifying” disclosures of widespread sexual abuse and misbehavior in the domestic women’s game in the US.
This week, Sally Yates, a former US attorney general, released a report that contained numerous complaints of abusive behavior on the part of team coaches in the National Women’s Football League.
Yates spoke with more than 200 NWSL players, many of whom were part of the US national teams, and obtained extensive descriptions of abusive habits, such as manipulation and outbursts.
On Thursday, Rapinoe told reporters on the eve of a friendly match between the US women’s team and England at Wembley, “It’s horrible.” “It is awful to have the information spelled out so clearly, even if you are aware of part of it.
“It’s been challenging for the guys (in the US team). Some of them have probably experienced abuse in one way or another in various settings while playing for those teams and under those coaches. Undoubtedly, it has the potential to re-trigger and re-traumatize.
“Everyone involved in the environment of women’s sport finds it quite challenging. Hopefully, this will serve as a turning point that prevents such incidents from occurring in the future.”
Rapinoe, a player for the NWSL’s OL Reign, wants FIFA and national team federations to establish stronger, more precise rules in the future to ensure that female players are better safeguarded.
“Throughout the years of this, they did absolutely nothing to protect the players. Every every year, someone made a comment against several instructors, “claimed Rapinoe.
“Putting in place a policy is one of the key things. It’s challenging if there is nothing at all to make them accountable.
“Having an effective reporting mechanism that the players can rely on, whether it be FIFA or the federations.
“Due to the poor funding of many of these federations, it is obvious that this is a massive challenge. According to FIFA, it is their duty as the stewards of the game to take all reasonable steps to ensure player safety.”
“Angry and worn out”
Two-time World Cup champion Rapinoe criticized the US team for getting accustomed to handling the fallout from issues involving the maltreatment of female athletes.
“We are irate, worn out, united, and united in our anger. Unfortunately, we are accustomed to coping with one thing or another, “She spoke.
“Whether it was the legal battle, equal pay, or kneeling, we had a lot to bear. We are accustomed to handling far more than just a game strategy and tactical execution, as sick as that sounds.”
According to the study, Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson encouraged Paul Riley’s wrongdoing as the team’s manager. Later, Paulson made the announcement that he would no longer be making any decisions.
Arnim Whisler, owner of the Chicago Red Stars and a member of the NWSL board, stated his decision to resign from his positions after the report’s release.
“Merritt Paulson is not in my opinion a suitable candidate to be the team’s owner. I don’t believe Arnim is qualified to run Chicago. We must ensure their removal “said Rapinoe.
In a statement earlier this week, US head coach Vlatko Andonovski warned that players on his team would have the choice of skipping this week’s matchup between the world champions and the European champions, England, if they felt they were not mentally prepared.
Prior to Friday’s friendly in front of a sold-out crowd, England forward Beth Mead stated the European champions will stand with the US players in a show of unity.
The 37-year-old Rapinoe expressed her appreciation for the gift by stating: “It means everything, to have people acknowledge what we are going through.
“There hasn’t been a report published here, but I believe there should be in every nation. Together, we are fighting for the same causes.
