With all eyes on the FC Austin Elite situation, after their players' boycott, it’s time for a follow up with results.

UWS began their investigation and concluded relatively quickly, particularly in comparison to other investigations, such as those that have been conducted by the NWSL. Closure on such tense emotional situations is important for the league, players, coach, and allow for the community to begin to rebuild. Within ten days of the players’ public statement (July 1), on July 11th UWS announced that it had implemented sanctions against FC Austin Elite following a grievance review. The sanctions were implemented immediately against the team and owner Danny Woodfill.

‘Written and verbal grievances from the players, coach, and other UWS member organizations' were taken into consideration for analysis. The final decision was that Woodfill “engaged in verbal, financial, and procedural misconduct.”

Elite, and any other team where Woodfill is involved in a leadership capacity is in suspended status. The teams will be allowed to proceed with business as usual in the league once a new owner is found and vetted according to UWS processes. The immediate consequence is that Elite is no longer playoff eligible. San Antonio Athenians have taken their place and will be attending playoffs and the championship in Ludlow, MA.

Elite players, who are the most affected by this, are currently without a team. Protagonist staff spoke with Bethany Cyrtmus, former Elite player, who shared that there are about 25 players who are interested in shaping the future of the team, including purchasing it. Players were hoping to go through this process to allow the team to finish their season by competing in the UWS playoffs. Cyrtmus stated that UWS did not allow this as they needed time to vet the new ownership.

The former players are dedicated to having a team created and governed by the players. They have begun the steps to explore the possibilities and next steps. A player-founded team will help to have a player-centric mentality. Putting players, your product and customer, first will help create a more positive environment. There are many benefits from a similar model. We have seen Aurora FC and Detroit City thrive in fan-owned environments.

This group of former Elite players has already set up some expectations for the team and for the league. The goal of the players is to create a new form of decision-making that would have a board who is appointed for all major decisions, so that hiring and firing of coaches and similar decisions would not be made unilaterally. They have also suggested to the UWS to start a player’s council. This creates a flow of communication between players and the league. It’s a safe space for players to express their concerns. We see at the professional level that these types of moves benefit everyone.

At the semi-pro level this is a victory and statement. NWSL players have paved the road reporting misconduct at varying levels for others to follow. With the finding in favor of the players, all players should feel empowered, as their voices will be heard if they speak up. Owners and GMs will be held accountable for their actions. It is worth it for the long-term to be respectful, professional, and a conduit for good business. Leagues are learning that they have customers at multiple levels and satisfaction is critical for a healthy league. Creating player-focused initiatives and having a clear path for reporting inappropriate behavior is the best possible outcome for everyone.

The last hanging issue, from the laundry list that was aired two weeks ago, is the long-standing approach by the league to turn a blind eye to complaints about the now-removed Southwest Conference Director, Danny Woodfill. The revelations made by Bat Co. owner Tristan Long, who furnished receipts for many of his claims, reveal a lack of league oversight. While removing Woodfil may solve some of these issues, it does not prevent a similar situation from occurring in the future. The league must learn from this entire affair and generate a standardized and functional approach to owner, player, or fan complaints.

- Danielle Gawronski