NWSL commissioner ousted, weekend games called off
The accusations against former North Carolina Courage manager Paul Riley and their handling have led to the ouster of National Women's Soccer League commissioner Lisa Baird.
The NWSL board of directors voted Friday to remove Baird and league general counsel Lis Levine from their roles, according to The Athletic.
In addition, FIFA's judicial bodies on Friday opened an investigation into the sexual harassment scandal involving Riley. This weekend's games in the NWSL were called off.
Claims by two former players of sexual coercion against Riley led to the coach being fired Thursday. FIFA told The Associated Press it was “deeply concerned” by the case and will now be seeking further details from American soccer authorities about the issues raised.
It is rare for world soccer's governing body to make such an intervention in a controversy involving a member association.
U.S. Soccer suspended Riley's coaching license following a report Thursday by The Athletic in which former NWSL players Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim recounted alleged abuse by the English-born Riley.