NWSL to create $5m fund for abuse victims

Then-league commissioner Lisa Baird resigned during the fallout from the abuse scandal in the NWSL in 2021

The National Women's Soccer League will create a $5m (£4m) fund to compensate players who were abused by coaches and officials.

In 2021 players from across the United States' top flight alleged abuse dating back over 10 years.

In 2022 an independent investigation - led by Sally Yates and King & Spalding LLP - found that abuse and misconduct of a verbal, emotional and sexual nature "had become systemic" in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

On Wednesday the NWSL reached an agreement with the attorneys general of Illinois, New York and Washington DC that requires the league to create the restitution fund and implement league-wide policy changes to improve player safety.

"For too long, the hardworking and talented women of the National Women's Soccer League were forced to endure an unacceptable culture of abuse, harassment, and retaliation," New York attorney general Letitia James said in a statement.

She said the agreement "sends a clear message that such misconduct will not be tolerated and ensures players receive the compensation and protections they deserve."

The NWSL must also continue to comply with extensive changes to its protocols, including rigorous vetting of prospective coaches and training for players and staff on how to prevent sexual misconduct.

The league faces $2m (£1.6m) in penalties if it fails to comply with any terms of the agreement.

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement: "We will continue to do the work necessary to maintain the trust of our players and build an ecosystem where the best in the world want to come."