Angel City deducted points, handed other penalties for cap violations

Julie Uhrman speaks at a press conference in Nov. 2023. (Photo Credit: Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports)

The National Women’s Soccer League has hit Angel City FC with severe sanctions, including an immediate three-point deduction in the standings, for violation of the league’s salary cap rules. The completed investigation also resulted in the club being fined $200,000 and both president and CEO Julie Uhrman and general manager Angela Hucles Mangano have been suspended from any involvement with player transactions through December 31.

In a league announcement late Thursday, it was stated that Angel City “entered into five side letters directly with players that affected multi-year agreements and were not disclosed to the league.” The agreements included benefits that went above and beyond what were reflected in Standard Player Agreements. The result was that Angel City was $50,000 over the salary cap for four weeks earlier in 2024.

Angel City FC general manager Angela Hucles Mangano has been suspended alongside president and CEO Julie Uhrman. (Photo Credit: Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports)

“The NWSL is committed to upholding the integrity of its salary cap and player compensation rules,” the release included.

The league also stated they will begin conducting annual investigations and audits of all clubs’ player spending to assure compliance across the board.

The point deduction drops Angel City to 19 points, dropping them behind Seattle Reign FC into 12th place. They can now be eliminated from playoff contention this weekend. This marks the first time an NWSL club has been deducted points on the table. WPS side magicJack was issued multiple point deductions for various transgressions during the 2011 season.

Angel City did not immediately respond to the penalties.