NWSL club Bay FC “denounced” the Earthquakes’ decision to hire former Thorns and Timbers President of Soccer Gavin Wilkinson as a consultant until the end of the season, according to Seth Vertelney of USA TODAY. The hire has “generated controversy” after Wilkinson’s long tenure with the Portland clubs. Wilkinson was fired in 2022 after he was named in the Yates Report, which “detailed systematic abuse by several coaches in the NWSL.” Bay FC said in a statement, “We believe the actions and history associated with Wilkinson’s time in professional soccer are inconsistent with the standards we hold for those entrusted to lead in our sport.” Bay FC and the Earthquakes are not affiliated but the clubs share PayPal Park in San Jose. Sporting K.C. hired Wilkinson as sporting director in 2024, but the club “backtracked on the decision after just a week following a furious backlash from fans.” Some Earthquakes fans have also “expressed disappointment” at the club’s decision to hire Wilkinson, with a “GW OUT” banner seen at Saturday’s home game against St. Louis City SC (USA TODAY, 8/19).
GETTING ON TRACK: ESPN.com’s Jeff Carlisle cited sources as saying that earlier this year, prior to his employment with the Quakes, Wilkinson “did consulting work for the MLS league office on a ‘competition project.’” One source said that Wilkinson “participated in a restorative accountability process” that was reviewed by the league, and he was deemed “suitable to work as a consultant for MLS.” Carlisle noted the process was “overseen by” MLS EVP & Chief Engagement Officer Sola Winley. It was “on this basis of restorative accountability” that the Quakes’ moved forward with its hiring of Wilkinson (ESPN.com, 8/19).