Miami (AFP) – United States women’s team midfielder Korbin Albert remains “available” for Saturday’s SheBelieves Cup match against Japan interim coach Twila Kilgore said on Friday after a row over social media posts from the player.
Albert, a 20-year-old who plays for French club Paris Saint-Germain, apologised after sharing social media content, including a religious video about transgender and LGBTQ issues, which was heavily criticised by former player Megan Rapinoe.
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The retired former captain of the team, known for her activism, suggested that the content was contributing to ‘hate’ against the LGBTQ community.
Albert apologised for the social media activity which including liking a post poking fun at Rapinoe’s anguished reaction to the Achilles injury she suffered in her final club match last November before retiring.
“Liking and sharing posts that are offensive, insensitive and hurtful was immature and disrespectful which was never my intent,” she said in a statement.
On Thursday, senior team members Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan made a statement on what they called a “disappointing situation regarding Korbin”, re-affirming the team’s commitment to “maintaining a safe and respectful space, especially as allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community.”
The players said there had been “internal discussions” that would stay within the team.
Kilgore, who is in charge of the team until English coach Emma Hayes takes over in June, repeated those sentiments but said the player remained part of the squad for the upcoming tournament.
“It is disappointing when somebody falls short of the very high standards that we set within this team,” Kilgore said. “This team has always been a beacon of respect, inclusion and demonstrated great allyship through actions for underrepresented and marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community. And we will continue to do so,” she added.
“As Lindsey and Alex mentioned, this team has never shied away from hard conversations. There’s been several internal conversations about this that will remain internal. I don’t typically talk at all about who will be playing and who won’t be playing. And Korbin is available for this tournament,” she said when asked about the likely selection of the player.
Albert has made seven appearances for the national team including in the recent successful CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup campaign.
Brazil face Canada in the other semi-final of the SheBelieves Cup on Saturday with the winners meeting the USA or Japan in the final on Tuesday. The USA will feature in the Olympic women’s football tournament in France from July 25.
© 2024 AFP
