Ernst Tanner, the sporting director who transformed Philadelphia Union into one of Major League Soccer's most successful franchises, faces multiple allegations of inappropriate behaviour spanning his seven-year tenure with the club.
The German executive, hired in 2018, has been accused of making sexist, racist and homophobic comments in a wide-ranging complaint filed by the MLS Players Association and obtained by the Guardian. Despite these allegations, a recently-concluded MLS investigation could not corroborate the claims, though Tanner was required to undergo additional workplace conduct training.
Detailed Allegations Emerge
Seventeen sources have come forward with accounts of Tanner's alleged misconduct, including six of the eight allegations in the MLSPA complaint that the Guardian was able to independently verify. The claims paint a picture of a powerful executive whose successful results have afforded him increasing influence despite numerous reports of workplace misbehaviour.
One particularly disturbing incident allegedly occurred during a Union match against San Jose Earthquakes in June 2023. When referee Nima Saghafi made brief physical contact with a player, Tanner allegedly shouted, "Why don't you just kiss him, you faggot" loud enough for nearby fans to hear. An eyewitness stated "twenty people must've heard this" and described a woman in the stands being "clearly horrified."
Pattern of Inappropriate Behaviour
The allegations extend beyond isolated incidents to reveal what multiple sources describe as a pattern of inappropriate conduct. Tanner allegedly made numerous misogynistic comments, including saying "women don't belong in men's soccer" about female MLS referee Tori Penso and telling academy players they "should never worry about a referee, unless she's a woman."
Multiple sources also accused Tanner of making racist remarks about Black players and officials. He allegedly spoke about African players "like they were subhuman" and commented that Black referees "lack intelligence and capability" following a decision against his team.
In 2019, a complaint was filed with Union HR alleging Tanner engaged in inappropriate physical contact with a club employee, grabbing their buttocks "numerous times" during greetings. Emails reviewed by the Guardian and nine sources familiar with the incident support this allegation, though neither the Union nor MLS would address it specifically.
Success Amidst Controversy
Despite these allegations, Tanner's professional achievements are undeniable. Under his leadership, the Union have qualified for the playoffs every year except 2024, won two Supporters' Shields (2020 and 2025), and reached the 2022 MLS Cup final. His shrewd management has generated approximately $43 million in player sales while operating on a budget about one-third the size of star-studded teams like Inter Miami.
Through his attorney, Tanner "firmly denies these accusations" and stated he has "worked fairly and effectively in a diverse, multi-cultural world upholding high standards of professionalism" throughout his three-decade career.
The Philadelphia Union acknowledged that early in Tanner's tenure, he was "found to have made potentially insensitive gender-based comments" and underwent training. The club stated they take "all allegations of misconduct extremely seriously" but were not previously aware of the allegations in the MLSPA complaint.
Investigation and Aftermath
MLS confirmed it received the MLSPA complaint in January and immediately launched an investigation. The league contacted more than a dozen individuals, with eight ultimately participating including Tanner himself. While the investigation could not corroborate the allegations, MLS required Tanner to complete a "structured remedial program focused on professional workplace conduct" due to the seriousness of the claims.
The league maintains the right to reopen the investigation if new information emerges, and both MLS and the Union emphasized their commitment to anonymous reporting channels. However, multiple sources expressed fear about speaking out against a powerful executive in what they described as the "small, small world" of American soccer, where reputation can determine employment opportunities.
As the Union continue their competitive success under Tanner's leadership, the allegations raise questions about how professional sports organisations balance on-field achievements with off-field conduct, and whether winning provides a protective shield for those in positions of power.
