Bay FC coach Albertin Montoya was cleared by the National Women’s Soccer League on Tuesday after a four-month investigation into a bullying accusation.

The league began investigating Montoya in March, after two complaints were lodged against him for treatment during the team’s inaugural 2024 season. One was cleared after it was reviewed by a third-party investigator hired by the team, while the other was sent to the league.

Tuesday, the league announced the findings of its own third-party review, which included interviews with current and former players and staff, and cleared Montoya of any violations of the NWSL Policy to Prevent and Eliminate Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying. He will not face any fines or suspensions.

However, the league did find “shortcomings” in Montoya’s communication style. The investigators made a series of recommendations — not only to Bay FC, but to the entire NWSL — to help facilitate healthy communication and add support structures.

The investigators said the league, Bay FC and Montoya have already begun taking those recommendations and will continue to address them in the future.

In a statement, Bay FC said the club is “grateful the league has identified opportunities for additional communication improvements which we are, and have been, implementing. We strive to be a player-centric club and will continue to work hard to make sure we have a supportive environment for our players.”

The accusations were first made public in a March 7 report in the San Francisco Chronicle that quoted two unnamed former players who described the team culture as “toxic” in its inaugural season in 2024.