Philadelphia Union Director Placed On Leave As MLS Reopens Misconduct Probe

Major League Soccer has reopened an investigation into Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner following renewed allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior, prompting the club to place him on administrative leave.

The latest developments follow a report by The Guardian that detailed allegations Tanner used racist language toward Black players, coaches and referees, as well as sexist and anti-gay remarks. According to the report, the claims were originally brought forward in a complaint from the MLS Players Association.

In a statement Wednesday, the Union emphasized their stance on workplace standards:

‍"The Philadelphia Union takes all allegations of misconduct extremely seriously and is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone associated with our club. Discrimination, harassment, or abusive conduct of any kind has no place here, and all staff are required to complete annual sensitivity training."

The club added that despite MLS previously closing an investigation into Tanner due to a lack of corroborated evidence, the league has now opted to revisit the case.

‍"While a recent MLS investigation was unable to corroborate allegations involving Sporting Director Ernst Tanner, MLS has advised the Union that it will be reopening the investigation and the Union continues to cooperate fully. The Union has placed Mr. Tanner on administrative leave during the investigation. Throughout this process, our top priority remains the well-being of our players, fans, staff, and community."

MLS had initially investigated the allegations earlier this year after the MLSPA complaint, interviewing more than a dozen current and former players and staff. The league explained its process in a statement:

‍"MLS recently concluded an investigation into the allegations raised by the MLS Players Association, which the MLSPA noted had not been independently verified. The League immediately launched an investigation, contacting more than a dozen current and former players and club employees. All individuals were offered the option to participate anonymously and assured they could speak without fear of retaliation."

The league added that most individuals cooperated, but investigators had been unable to verify the claims. Still, Tanner had been required to complete remedial workplace conduct training.

‍"Following publication of a Guardian article that included new allegations and potentially new information, MLS will reopen the investigation. MLS maintains an anonymous reporting hotline and encourages anyone with relevant information to come forward."

Tanner, who joined the Union in 2018 and signed a contract extension in 2021, now faces renewed scrutiny as both the club and league prepare for an expanded review into the allegations.

_{Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Tareq Ismail, philadelphiaunion.com}