LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The president of Racing Louisville FC responded to allegations of sexual misconduct against the team’s former head coach.

In a statement posted to social media on Wednesday, 48 hours after the scathing report came out, President James O’Connor called the hiring of former head coach Christy Holly “a mistake” and apologized to Erin Simon, a former Racing Louisville player who reported the misconduct. 

“We commend Erin for her bravery in coming forward as part of the U.S. Soccer’s investigation,” the statement said. “And while our former coach was terminated within 24 hours of us being alerted to the behavior, we know that wasn’t enough and that we failed our locker room by creating a space where this behavior could occur.” 

O’Connor said that the club would cooperate with the ongoing NWSL/NWSLPA joint investigation and welcomed any recommendations to improve the organization for the betterment of players.

Major sponsors of the club began exerting pressure on the club Wednesday afternoon. GE Appliances, one of the main club sponsors, issued a statement saying that the company “condemns the actions and systemic failures outlined in the investigation of abuse against these players.”

“Our continued sponsorship hinges on the ability of this team to make real changes that ensure a safe and positive environment for the athletes,” the statement concluded. 

Sponsor Barrell Craft Spirits issued a similar statement, saying, “We condemn the coaches responsible for these reprehensible acts, as well as Racing Louisville FC management and the NWSL for their utter lack of transparency.”

The company also said its continued sponsorship depends on the club and league’s response to making “meaningful change.”

The allegations became public on Monday when an independent investigation into the National Women’s Soccer League issued its report on abuse and sexual misbehavior in the league. The report describes the inappropriate behavior of Holly that included “verbal abuse, manipulative behavior,” and a relationship with a young staff member that “created a toxic environment.” The report includes Simon’s account of Holly’s harassment and assault of her, which included making sexual jokes, sending sexual messages and touching her inappropriately.

In an April 2021 encounter between Holly and Simon, she alleges Holly told her that for every mistake she made during a game film session with him alone, he was going to touch her. Simon said he forced his hands down her pants and up her shirt.

After this encounter, Simon eventually reported Holly to the club management. Holly was fired on the night of August 31, 2021, with the club saying he had been terminated “for cause,” but declined to say more.

The report represents a sweeping dive into abuse and sexual misconduct allegations across the NWSL. It focused on three former coaches: Paul Riley for the North Carolina Courage, Rory Dames of the Chicago Red Stars and Christy Holly of Racing Louisville FC. Former NWSL players have come forward with allegations of misconduct and sexual coercion dating back a decade. 

Also Wednesday, the Portland Thorns dismissed executives Gavin Wilkinson and Mike Golub in the wake the investigation. Former Thorns and North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley, who was accused by former players Mana Shim and Sinead Farrelly of sexual coercion and harassment dating back a decade. Riley has denied the allegations.

The Thorns' move came a day after owner Merritt Paulson removed himself from a decision-making role with the team. Chicago Red Stars owner Arnim Whisler also stepped back from his role.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.