Major League Soccer announced Monday that Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner has been suspended without pay through June 1, 2026, for violating the policies and standards of professional conduct required of league and club leadership.
The decision follows an investigation conducted by the law firm Littler Mendelson that substantiated allegations concerning Tanner’s workplace behavior. The league said the disciplinary action came after new information emerged during an independent review carried out by outside counsel.
“Following the completion of an investigation conducted by the law firm Littler Mendelson, Major League Soccer has suspended Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner without pay through June 1, 2026,” the league said in a news release.
MLS also explained the findings of the review. “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.”
The suspension follows allegations detailed in a report by The Guardian that described comments and behavior attributed to Tanner in the workplace. According to the report, Tanner used sexist and anti-gay language and made racist remarks about Black players, coaches and referees. The allegations were included in a complaint submitted to the league by the MLS Players Association.
The report described statements attributed to Tanner, including one in which he allegedly said that “women should be in the kitchen, not being referees.” It also reported that he spoke about Black players, coaches, and referees “like they were subhuman.”
Additional claims involved inappropriate physical contact with a Philadelphia Union staff member. The report said the incident had been reported to the club’s human resources department.
Major League Soccer had previously investigated the allegations but closed the case after saying the claims could not be verified. After The Guardian published its report, the league reopened the investigation.
Following the reopening of the case, the Philadelphia Union placed Tanner on administrative leave on November 19, 2025, while the investigation continued.
MLS stated that Tanner must complete a league-approved restorative practices program before he can return to his role.
“MLS is committed to fostering an environment of respect, inclusion, and accountability. We will continue working to ensure our clubs reflect those principles at every level of the organization,” the league said in its statement.
Tanner, 59, joined the Philadelphia Union as sporting director in 2018. He signed a contract extension with the club in 2021.
During his time with the club, the Union reached one of the most successful seasons in team history. In 2025, the team finished with the best overall regular-season record in Major League Soccer and won the Supporters’ Shield. Philadelphia’s playoff run ended in the MLS Cup Eastern Conference semifinals after a loss to New York City FC.
In a statement released Monday, Tanner addressed the suspension and its effect on the organization.
“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.”
The suspension remains in effect through June 1, 2026. Tanner must complete the league-approved restorative practices program before reinstatement into his position.
