USWNT star Alex Morgan fined by NWSL for rant after ‘completely reckless’ challenge that left her fortunate to avoid injury

The legendary United States international forward was in action for the San Diego Wave on Saturday. During that contest, she found herself on the receiving end of a full-blooded challenge from KC Current defender Stine Ballisager Pedersen.

Morgan called the incident out on social media afterwards, questioning how “in what world is this not a penalty and red card, or even foul?” The 34-year-old claimed she would “100% not be walking” had she not spotted the lunge coming and taken evasive action.

The USWNT star is considered to have breached NWSL regulations with her complaints, leading to the organisation taking action. A statement from the leading division in American women’s soccer read: “The National Women’s Soccer League announced today it has issued a fine to San Diego Wave FC forward Alex Morgan for comments detrimental to the league made on social media on September 17, 2023, in violation of Section 12.2.5 (e) ‘Prejudicial Statements and Public Criticism’ of the League Operations Manual.”

The NWSL has not revealed how much Morgan – whose mood was further soured by a 2-1 defeat to Kansas – has been fined. Her coach at the Wave, Casey Stoney, decided that she would bite her lip following another controversial outing, telling reporters when quizzed on the incidents that riled Morgan so much: “I don't have anything to say on anything else because I'm not going to give the league any more of my money.”