The North Carolina Courage have terminated the contract of coach Paul Riley, following "serious allegations of misconduct".
North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley watches on during the 2019 NWSL championship game. Photo: AFP
The Athletic has detailed allegations of sexual coercion and misconduct by Riley, who led North Carolina to back-to-back National Women's Soccer League championships in 2018 and 2019, after speaking to more than a dozen players he coached since 2010.
The Courage announced Riley's departure in a statement on behalf of the players, staff and principal owner.
"In light of today's reports, the North Carolina Courage have terminated head coach Paul Riley, effective immediately, following serious allegations of misconduct.
"The Courage support the players who have come forward and we commend them for bravely sharing their stories.
The North Carolina Football Club is united together in our commitment to creating a safe, posiitive, and respectful environment, not only within our club but across the league and our great sport. "
Football Ferns defender Abby Erceg is the captain of the North Carolina Courage and has played under Riley since 2016, when the team was known as the Western New York Flash.
The report also said Riley was hired by the Western New York Flash despite a complaint over his behavior that was shared with the league after his 2015 season with the Portland Thorns.
Abby Erceg lifts the 2019 NWSL championship trophy. Photo: AFP
The Athletic said Riley denied "the majority" of the allegations detailed in the report.
In a statement released on social media, the National Women's Soccer League Players' Association (NWSLPA) said the league lacked "basic and fundamental protections that ensure dignity at work" and said "players demand greater control over their lives and careers".
The players association also demanded the NWSL "initiate an independent investigation into the allegations published by The Athletic this morning".
"Words cannot adequately capture our anger, pain, sadness, and disappointment," the NWSLPA said. "To the players who suffer in silence, know that the (NWSLPA) holds a safe space for you."
The Athletic investigation sent shockwaves through the world of women's soccer in North America, with OL Reign player Megan Rapinoe, twice a World Cup winner with the U.S. national team, calling for action.
"To everyone in a position of power who let this happen, heard it & dismissed it, signed off on this monster moving to another team w/zero repercussions, F**K YOU," Rapinoe said on Twitter. "You're all monsters,& can ALL hand your resignations in immediately."
Erceg and the North Carolina Courage are due to host the Washington Spirit in a NWSL match tomorrow.
Sean Naha has been named North Carolina's interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
- RNZ/Reuters