US Soccer handed goalkeeper Hope Solo a six-month ban from internationals on Wednesday after she branded opponents Sweden “a bunch of cowards” at this month’s Rio Olympics.
The Swedes beat the United States 4-3 in a shoot-out on August 12 to move into the semi-finals at the Rio Games, denying the Americans a chance to win a fourth straight Olympic title.
“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,” US Soccer president Sunil Gulati said in a statement.
“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 honour those principles, with no exceptions.
“Taking into consideration the past incidents involving Hope, as well as the private conversations we’ve had requiring her to conduct herself in a manner befitting a US national team member, US Soccer determined this is the appropriate disciplinary action.”
Solo, who was previously suspended for 30 days in early 2015 for her conduct, would start her suspension immediately.