Marla Messing appointed interim CEO in the NWSL

The National Women’s Soccer League has been growing exponentially every year, but a few weeks ago the league took a step back when allegations of player abuse and harassment surfaced. This exposed many managers, Rick Burke and Paul Riley, who were removed in the wake of the allegations and the commissioner Lisa Baird decided to resign from her job.

New interim CEO appointed

On Monday, the National Women’s Soccer League committee confirmed that Marla Messing will be appointed as their chief executive officer (CEO) starting immediately. The experienced US Soccer executive will be incharge of the day-to-day operations to protect the players from any further abuse or harassment.

Messing will only serve as the interim CEO while the NWSL Players Association meets with the candidates for the job. “I want to commend the bravery and strength of each and every player in the league to demand the change that should be at the core of every organization,” Messing said in a statement Monday.

“Gaining the trust of our players and uniting players and owners is central to my approach so that we can most effectively create systemic change. The executive committee and board of governors have already begun important work and I am committed to overseeing league operations to implement widespread reform initiatives intended to protect all players and staff, and further advance the popularity of and love for women’s soccer here in the United States.”