The Football Association has launched an investigation into Liverpool Women’s goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe following allegations that she used discriminatory language during the club’s pre-season trip to the Republic of Ireland.
Liverpool confirmed they reported the incident to the FA and are fully cooperating with the governing body. Borggrafe, 25, joined the Reds this summer from German side Freiburg, where she spent 12 years.
The shot-stopper was left out of the squad for Liverpool’s opening Women’s Super League clash — a derby defeat to Everton on September 7 — but was included in the matchday squad during last weekend’s loss against Leicester City.
In an official statement, Liverpool said:
“Liverpool Football Club is aware of an alleged use of discriminatory language by an LFC Women’s player. The club has followed its protocols to the fullest extent and the alleged incident has been reported to the FA, which is conducting an investigation with our full support.
We condemn all forms of discrimination; it has no place in football or society. We are unable to comment further while the investigation is ongoing.”
Head coach Gareth Taylor addressed the matter in his pre-match press conference, emphasizing the club’s stance against discrimination.
“It’s something that we don’t want, we don’t want that distraction,” Taylor said. “We dealt with it in the appropriate manner initially and we’re working alongside the FA whilst that process continues. We want to support all our players, but also make them aware that discrimination has no place in football or society. We have to be respectful of the process.”
Taylor confirmed Borggrafe remains available for selection ahead of Sunday’s WSL match against Aston Villa, though admitted it was “difficult” to add more beyond the club’s official statement.
