U.S. Soccer commissioned the investigation following the dismissal last year of North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley after two former players accused him of harassment and sexual coercion in a story in The Athletic last fall. Five of the 10 coaches in the NWSL last season were either fired or stepped down because of misconduct.FIFA has a safeguarding program that was implemented at the under-20 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica this summer. The program is aimed at keeping participants and fans safe from abuse, exploitation and harassment.
The tournament's 32 games were staffed by a safeguarding official as well as a representative from Costa Rica's National Children's Institute. Participants were briefed about abuse and how to report it.
The safeguarding program is part of the FIFA Guardians initiative, announced following the 2019 Women's World Cup to ensure player safety. It was developed with UNICEF, the United Nations children's agency.
It will be in place for next summer's senior World Cup.