Sinead Farrelly, who came forward with misconduct allegations that sparked a reckoning in US football, has been named to Ireland’s team for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The tournament kicks off on July 20, with Ireland providing the opening-day opposition for the Matildas at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
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Farrelly and fellow player Mana Shim accused former National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) coach Paul Riley of misconduct and sexual coercion in an article published by The Athletic in 2021.
The allegations, which Riley denied, led to investigations by US Soccer and the NWSL that concluded mistreatment of players was widespread.
Farrelly had retired more than six years ago but returned to the the game earlier this year.
The American footballer signed with Gotham FC in the NWSL in March and started for Ireland, where her father was born, in an exhibition match against the United States in April.
Now Farrelly has been included on Ireland’s 23-player World Cup roster.
“It’s been really overwhelming,” she said this week.
“So I just do moment-to-moment. It’s been amazing; it’s been hard, difficult, challenging, beautiful, awesome, and joyful. I just think it’s been all the things.”
After the friendly against the US, she told reporters that telling her story had paved the way for playing again.
“I...
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