New York (AFP) - An independent investigation into wrongdoing against National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) players released Wednesday found "ongoing misconduct" at most league clubs after an earlier probe uncovered harassment and sexual abuse.
The latest investigation issued a report after 14 months looking into complaints by NWSL players and uncovered systemic failures by the 12-team league that allowed physical and emotional abuse of players.
"During this investigation, the Joint Investigative Team received reports of ongoing misconduct at more than half the league's clubs," the report said.
"To effectuate lasting change, the league must commit to the long-term, critical, incremental work of systemic cultural and structural transformation."
The report recommended the NWSL strengthen anti-harassment policies, create and enforce guidelines on appropriate interactions between coaches and staff and players, develop a training program based on experiences uncovered in the probe, coordinate hiring with the US Soccer Federation and other clubs and create a more inclusive environment for players and team staff members.
"Inattentiveness, neglect, and concealment allow misconduct to fester," the report said.
The report said the league has taken action since the investigation began, notably after an October study by former US Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates for US Soccer.
"The NWSL has increased efforts to eradicate misconduct, embraced greater accountability, and experienced a cultural shift regarding behaviors that are no longer tolerated," the report said.
"However, there is substantial work to be done."
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman promised "systemic reform" in apologizing to players for prior "failures and missteps."
"This will be an ongoing process of improving and strengthening our league," Berman said."The league will consider additional corrective action to ensure accountability based on the findings detailed in the joint investigation report.
"We will review the report and its recommendations (and seek) input from other internal and external key stakeholders to better understand what further action needs to be taken in the short, medium and long term."
Berman vowed changes will be made to ensure safety for league players based upon the report.
"This report clearly reflects how our league systemically failed to protect our players," Berman said.
A statement from US Soccer praised the latest findings and moves by the NWSL and its players association.
"We're grateful to the NWSL and NWSLPA for their important efforts to understand the factors that led to abuse in women's professional soccer and to identify meaningful steps to ensure player safety moving forward," the statement said.
US Soccer stressed the need for continues action to create "systemic change."
"We look forward to gaining an even deeper understanding of the cultural and systemic dynamics that led to abuse in women's professional soccer," US Soccer said.
"US Soccer remains deeply committed to ensuring that everyone in soccer –- at all levels –- has a safe and respectful place to learn, grow and compete."
