The United States National Women’s Soccer League has launched an independent investigation into Bay FC after allegations of bullying and a toxic workplace environment surfaced against head coach Albertin Montoya.
The Chronicle revealed that two former Bay FC players described the club’s culture under Montoya as ‘toxic’ during its inaugural 2024 season. Two other former employees also said the environment forced several staff and players to exit the franchise prematurely.
Following the publication, the NWSL issued a statement confirming the initiation of a formal review, stating, “Based on information shared with the league, we are initiating a formal review of the communications between technical staff and the players at Bay FC and will take the appropriate steps necessary based on the findings of that review.”
The NWSL said an independent third party would conduct the review without restrictions on its scope. They outlined the process that would govern the investigation, indicating that the review would be independent and comprehensive. Commissioner Jessica Berman, however, urged caution against assuming wrongdoing simply because a review had been initiated.
Bay FC responded to the situation by affirming their commitment to maintaining a supportive environment for their players. The club emphasised that it values feedback and is collaborating with the league to thoroughly assess the matter before determining the next course of action, stating that their founding principles are centred around prioritising the welfare of players.
Nigeria international Asisat Oshoala, who plays for the San Jose-based club, has also weighed in cryptically on the matter.
Posting a message on her X account, Oshoala questioned the frequency with which mental health support appeared to be needed, suggesting it pointed to deeper issues within the environment.
“How can people be needing mental support every year? Scares me…….by end of d (the) year, it might be psychiatrist support.”
She added another post about waking up with reluctance to attend work saying, “Waking up and feeling reluctant to show up to work cus (because) of a protected somebody is draining!”
According to The Chronicle, at least two formal complaints were filed against Montoya during the 2024 season. One complaint was reviewed by a third-party investigator hired by Bay FC and subsequently cleared. The second complaint, alleging bullying, was lodged directly through the league’s anonymous tip line, RealResponse. The status of the latter complaint remains unclear.
Bay FC’s coaching staff reportedly received the second-lowest approval rating in the July 2024 NWSL players’ survey. Players cited poor communication, lack of transparency regarding playing time, and denied requests for one-on-one meetings with staff.
Despite this, Montoya, appointed Bay FC’s first head coach in 2023, defended the team’s high turnover, saying in January, “Any time a player chooses to not continue or is looking for other options, we look at ourselves first. What could we have done? Did we do our best to help this player? … We get some things wrong, but it’s a collective effort.”
Bay FC Sporting Director Matt Potter initially denied knowing of any complaints against Montoya, but later confirmed that ownership had reviewed and closed one complaint due to “no evidence of misconduct.”
The situation is particularly sensitive given the NWSL’s recent history. In 2021, multiple scandals led to the dismissal or resignation of several coaches and general managers. Last month, the league agreed to a $5 million restitution settlement for players who were victims of past abuses. As part of the reforms, the league instituted a vetting process for coaching hires and established stronger channels for players to report concerns anonymously.