4 coaches receive life bans by US National Women's Soccer League

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) - The US National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) banned four coaches for life Monday because of misconduct.

The NWSL said it took corrective action in response to the findings of a joint investigative report that was released Dec. 14.

Paul Riley, Rory Dames, Richie Burke and Christy Holly were permanently excluded from the NWSL. Former Utah Royals manager Craig Harrington and Gotham's former General Manager Alyse LaHue were suspended for two years.

"The league will continue to prioritize implementing and enhancing the policies, programs and systems that put the health and safety of our players first," said MWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. "Those actions are fundamental to the future of our league, especially as we build a league that strengthens our players’ ability to succeed and prosper on and off the pitch."

An investigation by the NWSL and the NWSL Players Association was conducted after an independent report about “widespread misconduct” was published by US media.