The NFL has fined the Washington Football Team $10million after the completion of an independent investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct within the workplace.

Following Thursday's announcement of the punishment, which does not strip the team of any draft picks, owner Dan Snyder decided to hand over his day-to-day responsibilities to his wife Tanya, who was named co-CEO on Tuesday.

The investigation, which began last year and consisted of independent counsel Beth Wilkinson interviewing more than 150 people, found that for years women within the organisation were bullied and several females experienced sexual harassment and experienced "a general lack of respect in the workplace".

"Ownership and senior management paid little or no attention to these issues," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "In some instances, senior executives engaged in inappropriate conduct themselves, including use of demeaning language and public embarrassment. This set the tone for the organisation and led to key executives believing that disrespectful behaviour and more serious misconduct was acceptable in the workplace."

Snyder blamed himself for the workplace environment and apologised to those affected.

"I have learned a lot in the past few months about how my club operated, and the kind of workplace that we had," Snyder said in a statement. "It is now clear that the culture was not what it should be, but I did not realise the extent of the problems, or my role in allowing that culture to develop and continue. I know that as the owner, I am ultimately responsible for the workplace."

He went on to say that, for the next several months, "Tanya will assume the responsibilities of CEO and will oversee all day-to-day team operations and represent the club on all league activities".

As part of the report, Wilkinson made 10 recommendations on improving workplace culture, including developing formal protocols for reporting harassment, developing a formal disciplinary action plan and providing training to all employees on bullying, harassment and inclusion.

The Snyders agreed to implement all 10 of the recommendations.

"I agree with the Commissioner's decisions in this matter," Snyder said, "and am committed to implementing his investigation's important recommendations.

"Going forward, my focus will be on making the Washington Football Team a source of pride to all of its employees, fans and partners, including my partners in the NFL."