An unbiased investigation discovered that Bay FC coach Albertin Montoya didn’t violate the Nationwide Girls’s Soccer League’s antiharassment, discrimination and bullying coverage, however discovered shortcomings in his communication model.
The investigation stemmed from a report within the San Francisco Chronicle in March that described a “poisonous” work surroundings. A minimum of two formal complaints had been made concerning the workforce, the newspaper reported.
Montoya was investigated for alleged violations of the Coverage to Forestall and Eradicate Office Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying. The findings had been introduced Tuesday.
All events cooperated with the investigation, which was carried out by New York-based regulation agency Debevoise & Plimpton.
“The league carried out a complete evaluation and decided Bay FC head coach Albertin Montoya was not in violation of any league guidelines,” Bay FC mentioned in an announcement in response to the league’s announcement. “We’re grateful the league has recognized alternatives for added communication enhancements which we’re, and have been, implementing.
“We attempt to be a player-centric membership and can proceed to work laborious to verify we’ve got a supportive surroundings for our gamers. We imagine within the tradition we’re constructing at Bay FC and can proceed to help our gamers’ development on and off the pitch.”
Among the many findings had been suggestions to “facilitate more practical communication and improve help constructions, which the NWSL, Bay FC and coach Montoya have taken, and are persevering with to take, to handle such issues,” the league mentioned.
The NWSL was rocked by an abuse and misconduct scandal in 2021. 5 coaches resigned or had been fired within the aftermath. In response, the NWSL applied adjustments to guard gamers, together with enhanced vetting of membership workers and an nameless tip line for gamers.
The NWSL Gamers Affiliation additionally negotiated safeguards in its collective-bargaining settlement with the league.
