Beijing 2008 and London 2012 gold medallist Solo is facing domestic violence charges after being accused of punching her sister and teenage nephew during an argument in June.

She pleaded not guilty and the case is now scheduled for trial on November 4.

If convicted, the athlete, who has continued to play for the US in exhibition matches and with her National Women's Soccer League team, Seattle Reign, following her arrest, could face up to six months in jail, but Blackmun said he also expects US Soccer to take "action" if found guilty.

"The allegations involving Ms Solo are disturbing and are inconsistent with our expectations of Olympians," he said.

"We have had discussions with US Soccer and fully expect them to take action if it is determined that the allegations are true."

US Soccer President Sunil Gulati said his organisation stands by its original decision to let Solo play until the legal matter is settled, but insisted that they take domestic violence "very seriously".

"From the beginning, we considered the information available and have taken a deliberate and thoughtful approach regarding Hope Solo's status with the national team," he added.

"Based on that information, US Soccer stands by our decision to allow her to participate with the team as the legal process unfolds.

"If new information becomes available we will carefully consider it."

Solo has been publicly vocal about the allegations.

Hope Solo has continued to play for the US in exhibition matches and with Seattle Reign following her arrest ©Getty Images


"While I understand that the public desires more information regarding the allegations against me, I continue to maintain my innocence against these charges," she wrote on Facebook yesterday.

"And, once all the facts come to light and the legal process is concluded, I am confident that I will be fully exonerated."

Meanwhile, sponsor Nike has announced it will stand by Solo pending developments in the legal process.

"We are aware of the allegations and that Hope Solo has pled 'not guilty' to the charges," the sportswear giant said in a statement.

"Hope remains a Nike athlete and we will continue to monitor the situation."

Solo is expected to start in goal for the US team at next month's Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football Women's Championship, a qualifying tournament for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada.

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