Major League Soccer has taken the significant step of reopening its investigation into Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner, just one day after The Guardian published a detailed report containing new allegations about his conduct.
Union Places Tanner on Administrative Leave
The Philadelphia Union confirmed they have placed Ernst Tanner on administrative leave following MLS's decision to reopen the case. This development comes directly after The Guardian's investigation brought forward additional claims and potentially new evidence that weren't available during the league's initial probe.
MLS had previously investigated Tanner earlier this year after receiving a formal complaint from the MLS Players Association in late January. That complaint outlined numerous serious allegations, including claims of racist, sexist, and homophobic language, along with instances of inappropriate physical contact with a staff member.
Detailed Allegations Emerge from Guardian Report
The Guardian's comprehensive investigation involved interviews with 17 subjects and reviewed materials that supported several claims against Tanner. Their report detailed six of the eight original MLSPA allegations, plus additional claims spanning much of Tanner's seven-year tenure with the Philadelphia Union.
Among the specific allegations reported are that Tanner made multiple misogynistic comments, including stating that "women don't belong in men's soccer" about a female MLS referee and telling academy players they should only worry about referees "unless she's a woman." The report also claims he directed a homophobic slur at an MLS referee in 2023 and spoke about Black players "like they were subhuman" while suggesting Black referees "lack intelligence and capability."
Additional serious claims include allegations of inappropriate physical contact with a co-worker "numerous times," which was reportedly brought to the Union's HR department, and the hiring of an underqualified coach who was allegedly abusive toward players on Philadelphia Union II, the club's reserve team.
Previous Investigation and Current Developments
MLS had concluded its initial investigation in September, stating it was unable to corroborate the allegations against Tanner. However, the league did require him to participate in a "structured remedial program focused on professional workplace conduct" following that investigation.
In a statement to The Guardian, MLS confirmed: "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."
The Union echoed this position in their own statement, emphasizing that while the previous investigation couldn't corroborate the allegations, they would fully cooperate with the new probe and had placed Tanner on administrative leave during this process.
This development comes at a crucial time for the Philadelphia Union, who are currently competing in the MLS playoffs and are scheduled to face NYC FC in the Eastern Conference semifinals on Sunday evening.
