The National Women’s Soccer League Players Association Thursday issued a statement in the wake of The Athletic story about North Carolina Courage head coach Paul Riley. The NWSLPA said that systemic abuse plaguing the league must not be ignored.

We, the players of the NWSL, stand with Sinead Farrelly, Mana Shim, Kaiya McCullough, and each of the players who have brought their stories into the light – both known and unknown. Words cannot adequately capture our anger, pain, sadness, and disappointment.

To the players who suffer in silence, know that the Players Association holds a safe space for you. We stand ready to confidentially offer you resources and support. You are not alone.

We refuse to be silent any longer. Our commitment as players is to speak truth to power. We will no longer be complicit in a culture of silence that has enabled abuse and exploitation in our league and in our sport.

The very lack of basic and fundamental protections that ensure dignity at work are part of what has led to stories like those that have come out this season. NWSL and its Clubs must act swiftly to implement changes that would protect current and future players. The opportunity to do this is right now in our first contract negotiation. In the face of systemic abuse, players demand greater control over their lives and careers.

We, as players, demand the following:

1. NWSL initiate an independent investigation into the allegations published by The Athletic this morning pursuant to the Anti-Harassment Policy for a Safe Work Environment by 12:00 p.m. EST on Friday, October 1, 2021.

2. Any League or Club Staff who are accused of conduct, no matter when it occurred, that violates the current Anti-Harassment Policy for a Safe Work Environment or any mandated reporter who failed to report the alleged violation be suspended immediately, pending the results of the above referenced investigation, and in any event no later than 12:00 p.m. EST on Friday, October 1, 2021.

3. NWSL disclose how Paul Riley was hired within NWSL after departing from another NWSL club subsequent to an investigation into abusive conduct during the bargaining session scheduled for Friday, October 1, 2021.

As a group, we have marshaled mental health resources and given athletes a formal space and process to come forward and speak up. These resources will be published on our social media handles @nwsl_players.

To any current, former, or future player, please reach out to us if you need help. Our Sports Psychologist, Diana Redman, PsyD, is available for a confidential consultation and can be reached at (818) 416-5596. Effective immediately, the Players Association has engaged Lighthouse Services, Inc., to provide all NWSL Players with access to an anonymous hotline for reporting abuse. The purpose of this service is to ensure that any player wishing to submit a report can do so anonymously and without fear of retaliation. Any player seeking to make a report concerning a violation of the Anti-Harassment Policy for a Safe Work Environment who does not wish to contact NWSL directly may contact Meghann Burke, Executive Director, at [email protected].

The NWSL has failed us. We are taking our power back.

Here is what the NWSLPA was referring to:

REPORT: Courage coach Riley accused of sexual coercion

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.