NWSL issues fines to Jill Ellis, Casey Stoney

The National Women’s Soccer League issued a pair of fines against San Diego Wave head coach Casey Stoney and President Jill Ellis, announcing the move Thursday.

The disciplinary action comes after the NWSL found Stoney and Ellis to be in violation of Section 12.3.5 “Approaching Officials” of the League Operations Manual during the club’s June 8 and 12 matches, respectively.

The fine amount was not disclosed in the NWSL’s statement.

Officiating has been a flashpoint this NWSL season, with Washington Spirit coach Kris Ward receiving a fine from the league in May after complaining about referring to reporters.

According to an ESPN report, The Professional Soccer Referees Association is negotiating a collective bargaining agreement for the NWSL’s referees, which work for the Professional Referee Organization.

Currently, NWSL officials receive less pay and less training than MLS officials. PRO positions the NWSL at the same level as the men’s lower-division United Soccer League, with successful officials given the opportunity to advance to the MLS.