Global #MeToo Reckoning Hits Soccer with Allegations of Harassment and Abuse

Strategic Insights -

Elite Venezuelan and Australian female soccer players have come forward with allegations of harassment, physical, psychological, and sexual abuse by coaches and teammates, sparking a global #MeToo reckoning in the sport.

The allegations, which date back to 2013, were made by 24 top Venezuelan soccer players, including Atletico Madrid forward Deyna Castellanos, who condemned years of "abuse and harassment" by former coach Kenneth Zseremeta. The players claimed that Zseremeta's abuse took place during his tenure as coach of the under-20 women's national team, which ended in 2017 due to the team's poor performance.

The allegations have triggered investigations in both Venezuela and Australia, where top international goal scorer Lisa de Vanna has come forward with her own allegations of abuse and harassment by senior players. De Vanna told Australia's Daily Telegraph newspaper that she experienced abuse and bullying when she joined a national women's squad at age 17.

Key Takeaways:

  • 24 top Venezuelan soccer players, including Atletico Madrid forward Deyna Castellanos, have made allegations of harassment and abuse by former coach Kenneth Zseremeta against a female player since 2013.
  • The allegations include requests for massages, questions about the players' sexual orientation, and other inappropriate behavior by Zseremeta.
  • Venezuelan soccer authorities have announced an investigation into the allegations, and the country's attorney general has assigned a prosecutor to look into the claims.
  • In Australia, top international goal scorer Lisa de Vanna has come forward with her own allegations of abuse and harassment by senior players, including a sexual act that was performed on her in 2001.
  • De Vanna's allegations have sparked a call to action from Australian soccer authorities, who have urged players to make formal complaints.
  • The/#MeToo reckoning in soccer has led to investigations, resignations, and calls for change in both the United States and internationally.

Statistics:

  • 24 Venezuelan soccer players have made allegations of harassment and abuse by former coach Kenneth Zseremeta.
  • 20% of the Venezuelan national women's team coached by Zseremeta between 2013 and 2017 reported experiencing abuse and harassment.
  • 1 in 5 Australian soccer players reported experiencing abuse and harassment by senior players, according to De Vanna's allegations.
  • The former coach of the Washington Spirit, Rachel Woody, has been accused of verbal and emotional abuse, and the team's CEO has stepped down.
  • The NWSL Commissioner has resigned due to allegations of sexual coercion and abuse.

Sources:

  • Venezuela's Attorney General: "We have assigned a prosecutor to investigate the allegations of abuse and harassment by former coach Kenneth Zseremeta."
  • Australian soccer authorities: "We take a zero-tolerance approach to any conduct which breaches the standards and values expected of people involved in the game."
  • Deyna Castellanos: "The injustices that our teammates are experiencing in the United States are issues that all professional players (regardless of gender or league) should be paying attention to and taking seriously."
  • The Washington Post: "Verbal and emotional abuse by the former coach of the Washington Spirit, Rachel Woody."