Kai Wagner suspension no longer carrying into 2024 season

Kai Wagner will be available for selection when the Philadelphia Union open the MLS season on Saturday, after all.

Wagner was suspended for three games during the postseason for violating the league’s anti-discrimination policy during a verbal altercation with New England Revolution forward Bobby Wood during the first of a best-of-three playoff series. He sat out the Union’s final two playoff games and was expected to miss the opener against the Chicago Fire.

The league, however, announced on Tuesday that would not be the case.

A statement issued Tuesday:

“Following Kai Wagner’s completion of  MLS’ restorative practices program and in keeping with the MLS-MLSPA Joint Anti-Discrimination Policy, Major League Soccer announced today that Wagner’s previously announced three-game suspension will no longer carry forward into the first match of the 2024 season. Wagner is therefore eligible to play when the 2024 season begins.”

Wagner was always expected to be available for Tuesday’s Concacaf Champions Cup opener in Costa Rica but his reinstatement is good news for the Union as they kick off the 2024 MLS campaign amidst their opening two-leg contest with Saprissa.