MLS suspends Philadelphia Union executive Ernst Tanner after misconduct investigation | Philadelphia Union
Major League Soccer announced Monday that it has suspended Philadelphia Union athletic director Ernst Tanner without pay until June 1, 2026. Tanner had been under investigation by the league since mid-November following a Guardian report. report detailing numerous allegations of misconduct during his tenure with the Union.
“Based on new information obtained during an independent review by external counsel, the investigation confirmed violations of MLS policies and standards of professional conduct required of League and club management,” the league said in a statement to the Guardian.
MLS added that Tanner will be required to complete a league-approved program of restorative practices before being reinstated. MLS provided no further details on the specific details it had substantiated in terms of Tanner’s alleged misconduct.
MLS’ most recent investigation into Tanner, led by law firm Littler Mendelson, was the league’s second investigation into allegations of executive misconduct. Tanner was previously under investigation after a complaint filed early last year by the MLS Players’ Association (MLSPA) alleging multiple instances of racist, sexist and homophobic behavior, allegations the league was unable to substantiate. The Guardian’s reporting presented additional allegations and corroborated several in the MLSPA complaint. After this report, MLS ordered its investigation to be reopened and appointed an outside lawyer to lead it.
Tanner has always denied the allegations, saying in November that he would fully cooperate with the league because he “[works] to clear my name and reputation.”
“I regret the impact this situation has had on the Philadelphia Union organization and its supporters,” Tanner said in a statement Monday. “I remain proud of my work with the Philadelphia Union and look forward to my return and future work with the team.”
“Based on the findings of Major League Soccer’s investigation, the Philadelphia Union supports the league’s program of disciplinary action and restorative practices against Athletic Director Ernst Tanner. The Union will evaluate the best and most appropriate structure for the organization following the disciplinary process,” the club said in a statement. “The Philadelphia Union remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for everyone associated with our club.”
The Guardian reported last month that the recently reopened investigation had faced obstacles due to some potential witnesses being subject to non-disclosure agreements. The union, along with Littler Mendelson, assured at the time that anyone wishing to speak to league investigators would be allowed to “fully participate” in their investigation without fear of legal action.
Tanner spent much of his time on leave overseas, sources said last month. On February 17, Union owner Richie Graham posted two photos to his publicly available Instagram showing Tanner, along with several associates. At the time, Tanner was still under investigation by the league and had been banned from working for the Union.
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“The Philadelphia union had no knowledge of or involvement in this personal trip,” a union spokesperson told the Guardian at the time. “This was not related to the club’s business operations or any official team activity.”
A source familiar with the investigation and its results said Monday that the length of Tanner’s suspension closely mirrors the length of the suspension given to former New England Revolution head coach Bruce Arena in 2023. Arena was accused of making “inappropriate and insensitive” comments and later resigned from the Revolution. He has since joined the San Jose Earthquakes as head coach. As required of Tanner, Arena was ordered to complete a league-approved restorative practices process.
A source close to the investigation told the Guardian that the league’s suspension of Tanner’s salary begins Monday; it remains unclear whether Tanner continued to receive money during the investigation itself. This leave, the source indicated, was ordered by the union and not by the MLS.
“MLS is committed to fostering an environment of respect, inclusion and accountability,” MLS said in its statement. “We will continue to work to ensure our clubs reflect these principles at all levels of the organization.”
On the field, the Union started 2026 poorly, becoming the first team in MLS history to go winless through its first four matches after setting the league’s best record a year prior. In its statement, the club said academy director Jon Scheer would serve as interim sporting director.
