Emma Hayes‘ 18-player USWNT Olympic squad remains the talk of the town for the wrong reasons rather than right at the moment. Hayes’ decision to leave out the veteran Alex Morgan is a subject of severe scrutiny. Besides, she is also facing backlash for including 20-year-old midfielder Korbin Albert, who caused controversy for sharing anti-LGBTQ content on social media. For the same reason, former USWNT star Samantha Mewis feels Albert’s selection to the US roster is ‘upsetting to a lot of people,’ in the women’s soccer community.

Emma Hayes’ inclusion of Korbin Albert became a talking point in the latest episode of ‘The Women’s Game’ podcast, hosted by Sam Mewis. “Earlier this year, Korbin had shared some homophobic and transphobic content on her social media. While the team has expressed that they are handling it all internally. And Korbin did issue an apology on her social media. Fans and supporters of the team haven’t been privy to any work or ongoing conversation regarding the situation,” said Mewis. Thereafter, Mewis lauded Hayes for thinking everyone should be allowed to change and grow.

However, Mewis continued her critique by hinting that no growth or change is visible from Korbin Albert’s end. “People should be given an opportunity to change and grow. There are endless opportunities to demonstrate this growth to the community that has been hurt. The actions that were a problem, were out in the open. And so to some extent, the growth should be out in the open as well. And I think that that is what’s missing from this equation right now,” Mewis added.

Now, let’s see how Albert became the center of controversy and what Emma Hayes said about calling her up for the Olympic games.

Inside Albert’s controversy and Emma Hayes’ comments on her selection

Korbin Albert spurred the criticism of LGBTQ allies after she reposted a TikTok video that showed a sermon about how being gay and ‘feeling transgender’ are wrong. Besides, the PSG midfielder also liked an Instagram meme, which said “God taking time off performing miracles to make sure Megan Rapinoe sprains her ankle in her final game ever.” Rapinoe notably fired back at Albert and questioned her anti-LGBTQ stance. Apart from Rapinoe, other US veterans including Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan, were critical of Albert’s stances.

Anyhow, Emma Hayes believes that Korbin Albert has understood the implications of her social media activity. “There’s no denying there’s been a lot of work that’s been going on in the background, to work with Korbin. As I’ve expressed on a couple of occasions, it’s really important that everybody on this team understands the importance of not just being tolerant and respectful and understanding the things that are going to matter to us all,” said Hayes. The new USWNT coach has added that she has talked to Albert about what she must be mindful of.

What’s your take on Hayes selecting Albert? Tell us in the comments.