Angel City was hit with multiple penalties Thursday after an investigation by the Women's National Soccer League determined it violated the league's salary cap. This decision underscores the league's commitment to upholding its financial regulations, particularly given Angel City's prior sanctions regarding salary and tampering. The penalties, which include a $200,000 fine and a points deduction, highlight the significant consequences of salary cap violations, especially for a franchise valued at $250 million, the highest for a women's sports team.
The NWSL determined Angel City entered into five side-letter agreements with players in 2023 that were not disclosed to the league. These undisclosed agreements resulted in the team exceeding the salary cap by approximately $50,000. This incident raises serious questions about transparency and compliance in a league that is trying to build a sustainable financial model while maintaining competitive balance among its teams.
Angel City has been repeatedly sanctioned for violating NWSL rules, which reflects a broader implication for the league as it establishes its authority and governance framework. The team's history of infractions, including fines for tampering and pre-contract violations, suggests a larger pattern that could undermine the integrity of the competition. It places additional scrutiny on the team's operations moving forward.
Uhrman and general manager Angela Hucles Mangano were suspended from any duties related to player transactions for the remainder of the 2024 calendar year, reinforcing the severity of the penalties. Their suspension exemplifies the league's efforts to enforce accountability at the highest levels of club leadership, aiming to deter any future misconduct by other franchises.
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