FIFA on Saturday said that it has opened an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley. Earlier this week, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise sacked Riley after several female players accused him of sexual harassment and misconduct. The games scheduled to take place on this weekend were postponed. 

“Due to the severity and seriousness of the allegations being made by players, we can confirm that FIFA’s judicial bodies are actively looking into the matter and have opened a preliminary investigation,” FIFA said in a statement to the Associated Press.

  Also read: Donald Trump aide Corey Lewandowski accused of sexual harassment by donor

“As part of this, FIFA will be reaching out to the respective parties, including US Soccer and NWSL, for further information about the various safeguarding concerns and allegations of abuse that have been raised.”

All about the case:

Former NWSL players Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim, talking to The Athletic, said that Paul Riley harassed the two. 

Farrelly said that the alleged harassment started in 2011 when she was a player with the Philadelphia Independence of the Women’s Professional Soccer league and continued when she joined the Portland Thorns. 

Sam Mewis, a player for the Courage and the World Cup-winning US national team, posted her support for Farrelly and Shim on social media.

  Also read: A jury convicted R Kelly; will his music face consequences?

“The physical and psychological safety of the players in the NWSL is of the utmost importance,” Mewis wrote. “I’m still processing and reflecting on how I can be part of making a safer environment for players.”

However, Riley told The Athletic the allegations were “completely untrue.”

Sacking Paul Riley, one of the most successful coaches in the NWSL, the Courage released a statement on behalf of team owners, the staff and players commending the women who came forward.

“The North Carolina Football Club is united together in our commitment to creating a safe, positive, and respectful environment, not only within our club but across the league and our great sport,” the statement said.

National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner Lisa Baird said in a statement that the league is referring the allegations to the US Center for SafeSport for investigation.

“A safe and secure work environment is a top priority for the league and its collective ownership,” Baird said in the statement. She on Friday resigned from the post.

US soccer said it is suspending Riley’s coaching license.

“US Soccer is in communication with the NWSL as they review this matter and will work with them to ensure meaningful steps are taken to ensure a safe and supportive environment across the league,” the federation said.

An investigation was opened against Riley when he was with the Thorns. 

“While the findings did not show unlawful activity, they did uncover clear violations of our company policies. Based on this, we chose to sever ties with Riley,” the Thorns said in a statement.

USA international players including Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan claimed previous allegations against Riley had not been investigated properly and that the league was failing to protect its own players.