Courtesy of the Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union have placed sporting director Ernst Tanner on administrative leave as MLS re-opens an investigation into workplace misconduct, the club and league announced Wednesday.
The decision comes in the aftermath of The Guardian reporting new information and allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior, including allegations on the use of racist, sexist and homophobic language and instances of inappropriate physical contact with a staff member.
Tanner “firmly denies” the allegations. An initial investigation into Tanner by MLS was concluded in September. The league said it was unable to corroborate the allegations.
MLS released the following statement:
“MLS recently concluded an investigation into allegations raised by the MLS Players Association, which the MLSPA noted had not been independently verified. 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 also released a statement:
“While a recent MLS investigation was unable to corroborate allegations involving Sporting Director Ernst Tanner. MLS has advised the Union that it will be reopening the investigation and the Union continues to cooperate fully. The Union has placed Mr Tanner on administrative leave during the investigation. Throughout this process, our top priority remains the well-being of our players, fans, staff, and community.”
Tanner is recognized as one of the best sporting executives in the league. Since joining at the end of the 2018 season, the Union has been at the forefront in overperforming their roster spend and a leader in developing academy talent.
The Union have won two Supporters’ Shields, including this year.
Philadelphia is the top seed in the MLS Cup playoffs, one of the eight teams remaining. The team hosts NYCFC this weekend in the Eastern Conference semifinal.
Prior to coming to America, the German-born Tanner worked for RB Salzburg, Hoffenheim and 1860 Munich.
Nov 21, 2025
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