MLS suspends Ernst Tanner after an investigation ‘substantiated’ allegations against him
Tanner is barred from working anywhere in MLS until he completes a program to deal with his alleged misconduct. The Union did not add their own discipline for the sporting director.
Four months after Major League Soccer reopened an investigation into alleged discriminatory behavior by Union sporting director Ernst Tanner, there is finally a verdict, and a punishment.
The league suspended Tanner without pay through June 1, and barred him from further employment in MLS until he completes a league-approved restorative practices program.
“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,” a league statement said Monday.
The Union said the club “supports” the league’s ruling, and did not add any of its own further discipline.
A statement from the club said: “The Union will evaluate the best and appropriate structure for the organization following the disciplinary process.”
The Union also circulated a statement from Tanner that indicated he intends to return to his job in the future. But they did not offer any direct apology to people whom he offended.
Nor did the team or MLS say whether Tanner has started the restorative practices program.
“I regret the impact that this situation has had on the Philadelphia Union organization and its supporters,” Tanner said. “I remain proud of my work with the Philadelphia Union and look forward to my return and future work with the team.”
Jon Scheer, the director of academy and professional development who has been the public face of the front office during the investigation, is now officially the interim sporting director.
In November, a report by the U.S. sports section of England’s Guardian newspaper unveiled accusations against Tanner of years of accusations of racist, sexist, and homophobic behavior toward a range of people in American soccer.
At the time, MLS said it had launched an investigation right after receiving a complaint from the MLS Players Association, and the Union placed Tanner on administrative leave.
The Guardian reported that “Tanner was never placed on leave after the investigation began in January because MLS couldn’t corroborate the claims against him,” and that the investigation had been closed within the last few weeks of the report’s publication. That report also said the league “found the alleged behavior, if true, to be unacceptable” and “a clear violation of league policy.”
After the report was published, the league reopened its investigation and hired labor law firm Littler Mendelson to conduct it. A long period of silence from all sides followed, with the Guardian reporting a month ago that there was “an impasse regarding non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that remain in effect between some potential sources and the Union.”
The investigation has now finally been completed.
A source with knowledge of the matter confirmed that if Tanner wishes to be employed again by the league at any point in the future, he will have to complete that program.
“MLS is committed to fostering an environment of respect, inclusion, and accountability,” the league’s statement concluded. “We will continue working to ensure our clubs reflect those principles at every level of the organization.”
The Union similarly said that they are “committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone associated with our club.”