February 28 – Graeme Abel of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Bay FC, has resigned from his position of Director of Domestic Scouting for College and Professional Players with immediate effect.
While resignations are part and parcel of football, Abel had only been in the job less than a week!
His decision to step away from the position is due to the tremendous backlash his hiring created in the first place. Last April, female players from The University of Oregon soccer programme alleged that the former head coach had abused them.
“Bay FC is changing the face of women’s sports, and I was looking forward to helping to make an impact and bring in even more talent to this already incredibly skilled club,” Abel said in a statement to ESPN.
“However, me joining the club has become a distraction which is not fair to the team and players, so I have made the difficult decision to resign. The team should be focusing on what is most important, playing the game they love and competing for a championship.”
Bay FC sporting director Matt Potter added in a statement to ESPN: “As we build a global sports franchise, we will continue to diligently search for the best talent on and off the pitch, always prioritizing our players and team culture. We appreciate Graeme’s willingness to step aside so we can focus on football.”
Bay FC were in the process of revamping their scouting department, however, they have been criticised for their approach in the vetting process. Potter had previously worked with Abel as an assistant.
As well as his stint with Oregon, Abel had previously been an assistant under former USWNT coach and two-time World Cup winner, Jill Ellis.
In what can only be described as embarrassing, the also newly hired Head of Global Scouting and Recruitment, Mirelle Van Rijbroek, had said: “Graeme brings a wealth of experience and expertise from his work at multiple World Cups and a deep understanding of the international game.” She added that Abel’s “extensive knowledge and passion elevate our scouting and recruitment efforts.”
As soon as it was announced that Abel was joining the team, a report from The Oregonian, detailed allegations from multiple former players, who stated they had received verbal abuse including “throwing objects, harsh language, and threats to kick [players] off the team or revoke their scholarship.”
Abel had denied those allegations, and the University had deemed no further action was required.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1740742065labto1740742065ofdlr1740742065owedi1740742065sni@o1740742065fni1740742065