NWSL coach Riley facing FIFA probe over sexual misconduct

FIFA’s judicial bodies have opened an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against coach Paul Riley as this weekend’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) games were postponed.

North Carolina Courage, who play in the United States’ top women’s league, sacked English-born coach Riley on Thursday after allegations of sexual misconduct towards female players were made public.

The claims were made following an investigation by The Athletic, who spoke to more than a dozen players Riley had coached since 2010, including two  Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim  who went on the record to detail Riley’s pattern of behaviour.

Riley, 58, who has coached women’s teams since 2006, has denied the accusations.

“Due to the severity and seriousness of the allegations being made by players, we can confirm that FIFA’s judicial bodies are actively looking into the matter and have opened a preliminary investigation,” FIFA said in a statement to the Associated Press.

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“As part of this, FIFA will be reaching out to the respective parties, including US Soccer and NWSL, for further information about the various safeguarding concerns and allegations of abuse that have been raised.”

“When it comes to misconduct in football,” FIFA said, “we would like to reiterate that FIFA’s position is clear: anyone found guilty of misconduct and abuse in football shall be brought to justice, sanctioned and removed from the game.

NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird resigned on Friday evening, having earlier said she took “full responsibility for the role I have played” and the decision to call off the games this weekend was made with the players’ association.