Decision And Statement Of The WPS Commissioner: Two Suspended

The following was excerpted from a Press Release by the Women's Professional Soccer League. Photo Credit Michael Pimentel / isiphotos.net

RE: Washington Freedom v. Saint Louis Athletica, May 3, 2009

Decision

Having reviewed footage of the match, the referee report, the coaches reports, and having heard from representatives of each Team, the Commissioner has determined that further discipline of certain Players in the Freedom v. Athletica match is warranted.

1.  Washington Freedom player #20 (Abby Wambach) is hereby suspended from the next Freedom game for which she is available to play (e.g. not injured or called to national team duty) based upon a tackle in the 80^th minute that was reckless and resulted in a potentially season-ending injury of an opposing player.

2.  Saint Louis Athletica player #6 (Kia McNeill)  is hereby suspended from the next Athletica game for which she is available to play (e.g. not injured or called to national team duty)  based upon persistent egregious conduct toward an opposing player. 

Process

This week the League Disciplinary Committee completed its review of a number of on-field incidents in the May 3, 2009, game between the Washington Freedom and Saint Louis Athletica. In the Committee’s collective opinion, none of them met the very specific criteria for over-ruling the decisions of the game referee and therefore further disciplinary measures were not imposed. 

Under the relevant rule, the Committee must be unanimous that the play in question is a clear and unequivocal red card.  That was not the case for any of the incidents reviewed.  Under the framework of this rule, the egregious or reckless nature of any given play is not a sufficient basis for a suspension absent the Committee’s agreement on the red card.

The decision of the Committee not to suspend any player is not appeal-able.  However, under the League Operating Agreements and consistent with the player contracts, the Commissioner may independently exercise her discretion to further review the match and assess penalties based upon conduct that is detrimental to the best interests of WPS, the integrity of its matches and the protection of its Players.

A suspended player may appeal the suspension by providing notice to the league within seven days of the decision to suspend.  Any appeal would be heard by the Commissioner.

Statement

"I elected to review the circumstances of the Freedom-Athletica match out of concern that the nature of play, if left unchecked, could lead to circumstances in future games that might pose a threat to the safety of the players and to the integrity of the league."

"In addition to the issuance of the discipline in the Decision above, I have directed that the circumstances of this match be brought to the attention of the US Soccer Federation, which provides referee assignments for WPS matches, and that serious consideration be given to avoiding these circumstances when making future referee assignments."