"Following the completion of an investigation conducted by the law firm Littler Mendelson, Major League Soccer has suspended Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner without pay through June 1, 2026. Based on new information obtained during outside counsel's independent review, the investigation substantiated violations of MLS policies and standards of professional conduct required of League and Club leadership."
"According to a report by The Guardian, Tanner made use of sexist and anti-gay language in the workplace while also being reported for making racist comments about Black players, coaches and referees. The report revealed that the allegations were made in an MLS Player's Association complaint to the league."
"MLS also revealed that Tanner must complete a league-approved restorative practices program before being reinstated into his position. Tanner first joined the Philadelphia Union as a sporting director in 2018, before signing a contract extension with the club in 2021."
Ernst Tanner, sporting director of the Philadelphia Union, was suspended without pay through June 1, 2026, following an MLS investigation into allegations of workplace misconduct. The Guardian reported that Tanner used sexist and anti-gay language while making racist comments about Black players, coaches, and referees. An MLS Player's Association complaint initially triggered an investigation that was closed due to unverified claims. After The Guardian's report, MLS reopened the investigation through outside counsel Littler Mendelson, which substantiated the violations. Tanner was placed on administrative leave in November 2025 and must complete a league-approved restorative practices program before reinstatement. Tanner has served as sporting director since 2018.
#mls-discipline #workplace-misconduct #discriminatory-language #philadelphia-union #professional-conduct-violations
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