Four NWSL coaches, Paul Riley, Christy Holly, Rory Dames and Richie Burke have all received lifetime bans from the organisation after an investigation found systemic misconduct in the league.

In addition to the bans, the Chicago Red Stars and Portland Thorns have been fined US$1.5 million and US$1 million.

The aftermath of the alleged offences against Riley saw a round of NWSL be postponed, while league commissioner, Lisa Baird, resigned from her position.

Commenting on the result, NWSL commissioner, Jessica Berman, said in a statement: “As part of our commitment to accountability and deterrence, the league has determined that further corrective action with respect to certain organisations and individuals identified in the Joint Investigative Report is appropriate and necessary”

“The league and its clubs have taken meaningful steps to begin this structural reform,” she said.

Additionally, the future employment of eight individuals has been listed as ‘conditional’, which includes former head coach of the Houston Dash and current manager of the Ireland women’s national team, Vera Pauw.

Other sanctions included a US$200,000 fine for Racing Louisville and a US$100,000 fine for the Carolina Courage.

Early last year the NWSL announced a partnership that aimed to close the pay gap for the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup.