Soccer’s governing body in Europe is questioning Sunil Gulati about his involvement in Sally Yates’ report on NWSL harassment and abuse. The scandal in the National Women’s Soccer League shook the sports world. Former Attorney General Sally Yates uncovered multiple substantiated allegations of abusive conduct and sexual misconduct in the report.
Gulati previously served as the president of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) from 2006 to 2018. During his time as president of the federation, Gulati heard multiple allegations of misconduct. However, Gulati reportedly ignored these allegations of verbal and sexual abuse, according to the report.
After leaving the USSF, Gulati signed on as chairman of UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) in 2021. He came to the organization as a close ally of UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin. Gulati helped UEFA implement new financial rules for the continent’s clubs. UEFA introduced these rules earlier this year as a replacement for the Financial Fair Play (FFP) system.
However, UEFA, led by Ceferin, is now demanding answers about what Gulati knew and when.
Sunil Gulati avoided the harassment of the NWSL
UEFA has apparently declined to comment on the matter, but is looking to have extensive discussions with Gulati.
Yates’ report initially focused on three female coaches within the women’s soccer league. Former Racing Louisville coach Christy Holly, former Portland Thorns coach Paul Riley and former Chicago Red Stars coach Rory Dames all faced damning allegations of misconduct during their time in the league.
Additionally, Portland Timbers and Thorns owner Merritt Paulson has resigned as CEO of both clubs in the wake of the Sally Yates report.
However, as the report has come to light, other victims have come forward to tell their stories. Last week, current USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone stated that at least three more cases have come in since then. It certainly seems like the Yates report is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to allegations of misconduct in the NWSL.
PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire
