England defender Lucy Bronze has praised the bravery of players who spoke out after an investigation into women's professional soccer in the United States found that abuse and misconduct had become 'systemic'. The year-long probe, commissioned by US Soccer, was prompted by complaints against former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley, who denies the allegations.
The investigation, led by former US Attorney General Sally Yates, involved interviews with more than 200 National Women's Soccer League players and resulted in a 172-page report. It detailed verbal and emotional abuse as well as sexual misconduct within the league. US Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone described the findings as 'heartbreaking and deeply troubling' and pledged to implement reforms.
Bronze, who is set to face the USA at Wembley on Friday, said the England squad stands in solidarity with NWSL players. She hopes the revelations will be a turning point for how female athletes are treated across all sports. 'The bigger picture is that them speaking out is hopefully going to make sure these type of things don't happen again,' Bronze said.
The 30-year-old added that women's sport has long faced such issues, but people have not always been brave enough to speak out. She referenced a campaign against sexist hate she was involved in over the summer, emphasising the need for change and for the right people to listen.
