Abuse Whistleblower Makes Comeback in World Cup Tournament

Sinead Farrelly, a key figure in the misconduct allegations that triggered a powerful movement within US soccer, has earned a spot on Ireland’s team for the upcoming Women’s World Cup. Farrelly, alongside fellow player Mana Shim, made accusations of misconduct and sexual coercion against former National Women’s Soccer League coach Paul Riley in a groundbreaking article published by the Athletic in 2021. These allegations, which Riley denies, prompted investigations by both US Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League that concluded there was widespread mistreatment of players. Despite retiring over six years ago, Farrelly made a comeback this year, as reported by the AP. She started for Ireland in an exhibition match against the US in April and has since signed with Gotham FC in the NWSL. Shim has also joined Gotham.

Farrelly has now been selected for Ireland’s 23-player roster for the World Cup. The team’s first match in the tournament will be against Australia in Sydney on July 20. Following the exhibition match against the US, Farrelly expressed how sharing her story paved the way for her return to the sport. She stated, “I wouldn’t have been able to do it unless I was able to get that off my chest and share my story, because healing and liberation were necessary before I could play again.” Farrelly, who spent part of her childhood in Ireland, is also working to overcome physical trauma after suffering a severe concussion in a car accident in 2015.

At 33 years old, Farrelly has lost what should have been the prime years of her career. As Gavin Cummiskey highlights in the Irish Times, “Time and mental scars seemed to have demolished a career full of boundless potential.” However, after returning to the game, Farrelly expressed her belief in herself, saying, “I think I can do this.” Cummiskey acknowledges that Farrelly still possesses her exceptional skills, stating, “Sinead Farrelly was always a talented player.” Despite feeling some nerves in her first game back, she remains optimistic, saying, “Compared to what I’ve been through, this should be fun.” (Read more women’s soccer stories.)