Liverpool Women goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe is the subject of a Football Association investigation over alleged racism.
As reported by The Telegraph and The Guardian, Borggrafe allegedly made a reference to skin colour in a comment overheard by some staff and teammates.
Borggrafe is understood to have denied the allegations.
When did the alleged incident involving Rafaela Borggrafe take place?
The alleged racism incident involving Liverpool Women’s goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe is understood to have taken place during the squad’s pre-season training camp in Cork.
It’s said that the comment was heard while Liverpool were preparing to take a squad photograph.
Borggrafe was a surprise absentee from the Liverpool squad for their 4-1 defeat to Everton, in their opening Women’s Super League game of the weekend.
Liverpool boss Gareth Taylor described Borggrafe’s absence as an ‘internal matter’.
The FA’s investigation is ongoing, though Borggrafe was permitted to return to training, and was on the bench for Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Leicester last week.
The Football Association is investigating Liverpool goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe over an allegation she used discriminatory language of a racial nature.https://t.co/AwcTsEB91o
— Kathryn Batte (@KathrynBatte) September 19, 2025
How have Liverpool responded?
Liverpool Women have also looked into the alleged incident involving their summer signing internally.
A statement from Liverpool as per the BBC said: “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.”
Liverpool are next in action against Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League on Sunday afternoon.
Borggrafe was absent from Liverpool training on Thursday, though the Guardian say this was due to family reasons and not the investigation itself.
It is unclear whether she will be in the squad for Liverpool’s trip to Villa Park this weekend.
The team have yet to pick up a point in the WSL this season under new manager Taylor.
When did Rafaela Borggrafe join Liverpool?
Liverpool signed German goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe back in July during the summer transfer window.
Borggrafe, 25, spent more than a decade with Freiburg. At Liverpool, she is competing against Rachael Laws and Faye Kirby in the goalkeeping ranks.
She said at the time of her arrival: “This is a big club with a big history and I want to be part of that – we never walk alone. I want to have fun playing football and [I] am so happy to now be a part of the Liverpool family.”
Borggrafe added: “I’m happy – and a little bit sad to leave friends – but I want to get better and I think this is the best place for me to be here to work hard, get better and make the next big steps for my career.”
