The San Diego Wave women's professional soccer club has strongly denied accusations of workplace abuse levied by former employee Brittany Alvarado.
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Another employee supported Alvarado's allegations, directed at team president Jill Ellis. Meanwhile, the Wave called the claims "inaccurate and defamatory," defending the former United States women's national team coach.
"Ellis's actions have been life-altering," wrote Alvarado, a former video and creative manager for the Wave. "She prioritizes personal gain over employee well-being, fostering an environment that enables abusive behavior."
The soccer club said Alvarado's allegations involving both the club and Ellis are "categorically false."
"San Diego Wave FC has been made aware of a recent social media post by a former employee that contains inaccurate and defamatory statements about the club," the team's statement said.
"The claims made therein are categorically false, including the ones directed at our President Jill Ellis."
For those who have endured abuse.
For those who are afraid to speak up.
I see you and I will fight for you.This is for you.
The time for accountability in the @nwsl is now. pic.twitter.com/ljdC1XUHCQ
— Brittany Alvarado (@bavacado2) July 3, 2024
Alvarado indicated in her post that she moved from Charlotte to San Diego last year, the purpose being to work for the Wave coaching staff under Casey Stone, fired late last month amid a seven-game losing streak.
Alvarado alleged the Wave of hiding their public image while taking part in "discrimination against women." She also alleged that nearly 75% of the 30-plus employees who have left the club since 2022 were women. The Wave joined the NWSL that same year.
The club added in its statement that it intends to pursue "all legal avenues to address this matter."
Wave captain Alex Morgan also posted on social media, saying she was disappointed with the allegations against the club.
Along with Alvarado, two former Wave soccer employees have come forward with similar claims on social media.
I am disappointed to hear about the allegations made by multiple former Wave FC employees today.
As players, we have worked hard to build a team that is surrounded by an inclusive, positive and safe environment.
But it’s important to me that we are creating that environment for…
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) July 4, 2024
