The National Women's Soccer League in the United States has called off all games that were due to take place this weekend.
This comes following allegations of sexual misconduct against coach Paul Riley, who was sacked by North Carolina Courage on Thursday.
In a report by The Athletic, former Portland Thorns players Sinead Farrelly and Meleana Shim have both accused Riley of luring them into sexual encounters when he was the team's head coach.
58-year-old Riley is originally from Liverpool.
Responding to the report, he said in an email that the allegations are "completely untrue2.
He went on to say that he had "never had sex with, or made sexual advances towards these players."
He said he sometimes socialised with players and occasionally picked up bar tabs, but he denied "taking them out drinking."
The NWSL has been heavily criticised for its handling of the allegations.
Irish internationals Denise O’Sullivan and Diane Caldwell currently play for Courage who were NWSL champions in 2018 and 2019.
Official statement from the players, staff and principal owner the North Carolina Courage. pic.twitter.com/jsY2GtXU9Y
— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) September 30, 2021
In a statement on Friday afternoon, NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird said,
“This week, and much of this season, has been incredibly traumatic for our players and staff, and I take full responsibility for the role I have played.
"I am so sorry for the pain so many are feeling. Recognizing that trauma, we have decided not to take the field this weekend to give everyone some space to reflect.
"Business as usual isn’t our concern right now. Our entire league has a great deal of healing to do, and our players deserve so much better.
We have made this decision in collaboration with our players association and this pause will be the first step as we collectively work to transform the culture of the league, something that is long overdue.”
