For the United States Soccer Federation, it’s seemingly a case of enough finally being enough. Following Hope Solo’s infamous declaration that Sweden were a “bunch of cowards” after their victory over the U.S., America’s governing body has handed Solo a six month suspension and terminated her contract with the women’s national team.
“The comments by Hope Solo after the match against Sweden during the 2016 Olympics were unacceptable and do not meet the standard of conduct we require from our National Team players,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “Beyond the athletic arena and beyond the results, the Olympics celebrate and represent the ideals of fair play and respect. We expect all of our representatives to honor those principles, with no exceptions.”
Hope Solo responded with this statement on her official Twitter account:
— Hope Solo (@hopesolo) August 25, 2016
For those looking for an apology from Solo, you're going to have to look elsewhere.
At the age of 35, it was widely speculated that Solo was participating in her last major tournament with the USWNT, at least as America's number one goalkeeper.
Now, it looks as though we’ve seen the last of Solo in a U.S. jersey. Solo’s illustrious international career includes two Olympics gold medals (2008, 2012), a FIFA Women’s World Cup winner's medal (2015) as well as one U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year award (2009).
However, Solo’s checkered off-field behavior has led to criticism from many circles.
Solo collected her 202nd cap for the U.S. at the Olympic Games, but her position in the team has been made untenable following this decision.
(H/T: The New York Times)
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