After foregoing the weekend’s slate of games, the NWSL is set to resume play on Wednesday following a tumultuous week spearheaded by abuse allegations in The Athletic against former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley.
The NWSLPA took to Twitter on Tuesday, revealing that Wednesday’s games would be played while also saying their “demands will be forthcoming.”
#NoMoreSilence pic.twitter.com/4UYiMDAIWL— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) October 5, 2021
#NoMoreSilence pic.twitter.com/4UYiMDAIWL
“We acknowledge that we will not process the pain of the last several days in one weekend or one week,” they wrote. “In the midst of statements that leagues and clubs are quick to release, we have been listening to ourselves, and to one another.”
In the aftermath of the article, many teams have released statements in support of the players, with the NWSL announcing a “commitment to systemic transformation” amidst the widespread fallout.
NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird stepped down on Friday alongside general counsel Lisa Levine. Both FIFA and US Soccer have launched investigations into the NWSL.
Gotham FC is set to play the Washington Spirit, who have had to deal with their own issues stemming back to abuse allegations against former head coach Richie Burke. Meanwhile, Racing Louisville will play the North Carolina Courage who fired Riley last Thursday. The Portland Thorns — who were at the center of the initial investigation into Riley in 2015 — will play the Houston Dash.