Chicago Red Stars owner Whisler selling stake in NWSL club

Chicago Red Stars owner Arnim Whisler introduced Monday he’s selling his stake in the staff following an investigation that discovered emotional abuse and sexual misconduct have been systemic in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Whisler’s resolution comes two months after the staff’s board of administrators voted to take away him as chairman and forbid him from participation in staff operations. Players additionally referred to as on him to promote the staff.

– NWSL abuse allegations: Timeline, quotes and video

Whisler stated in a press release he made the choice to promote the staff after 15 years “with a heavy heart.”

“I have proudly poured our hearts, time, resources and efforts into founding the NWSL and transforming the Chicago Red Stars into one of the top women’s soccer clubs in the world,” he stated. “It is clear now that we needed to provide greater support for our players and we deeply regret that we didn’t do more sooner.”

Former appearing U.S. Attorney General Sally Q. Yates and the regulation agency of King & Spaulding launched outcomes in early October of a report that detailed the sequence of abuses and misconduct that impacted a number of groups in the league, together with the Red Stars. The report acknowledged that Whisler was conscious of the emotional and verbal abuse by former coach Rory Dames courting to 2014 and dismissed the complaints by gamers.

Dames resigned following the 2021 season when The Washington Post printed allegations of verbal and emotional abuse. Dames was one among 5 NWSL coaches who both have been fired or resigned final season amid allegations of misconduct.

Whisler stated his group is working with New York City funding financial institution Inner Circle Sports to facilitate the sale and can attempt to discover possession that “represents the diversity of Chicago.”

Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson introduced final week he’s placing the staff up on the market, and coach Rhian Wilkinson resigned following a request by gamers. Wilkinson stated she was investigated and cleared of wrongdoing by the NWSL and its gamers union after she self-reported that she and a participant had developed emotions for each other however by no means acted upon them.