The Acting President and CEO of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has announced an agreement with the League’s Players Association (NWSLPA) to address demands made in the wake of allegations of abuse and harassment that rocked the circuit.
Marla Messing, who accepted the role this week, also clarified that the league will work with the NWSLPA to investigate the allegations. The league hired the law firm Covington & Burling to conduct the investigation.
On Wednesday, Messing said that the goal of the NWSL is to become the best women’s soccer league in the world, and that it is necessary to “eradicate these problems and this behavior” to put itself in position to achieve this goal.
Two former players have accused Paul Riley, the former head coach of North Carolina Courage, of harassment and sexual coercion.
Riley was eventually fired and Lisa Baird, the NWSL commissioner, tendered her resignation amid the allegations.
Other harassment allegations have been made involving Richie Burke, the former Washington Spirit head coach, who was also fired. OL Reign head coach Farid Benstiti resigned from his post this summer for inappropriate behavior.
Following the release of this information, the union presented a series of demands focused on accountability. By agreeing to respond to these requests, Messing says she is committed to being transparent in her dealings with the NWSLPA.
In the past, Messing served as President and CEO of the 1999 Women’s Soccer World Cup. She also helped bring the 2028 Olympics to Los Angeles.
Most recently, she served as President and CEO of the Southern California Chapter of the United States Tennis Association.
In her role as CEO, Messing will oversee the operations of the NWSL and work in conjunction with the Board of Governors. She replaces the three women who formed the executive committee set up to manage the league after Baird resigned.
The league is continuing its search for a full-time commissioner. Messing did not want to come forward and say if she would be interested in a permanent role.
“There are a lot of challenges. And right now, my mandate is to oversee investigations to make sure institutional changes happen, and to manage the day-to-day operations of the league. And frankly, that’s what I’m focusing on. ”