Philadelphia Union

Ernst Tanner placed on leave as MLS re-opens investigation into misconduct

Published

11 hours ago

November 19, 2025

Photo by Carl Gulbish

Major League Soccer announced Wednesday that they have re-opened an investigation into allegations of sexist, racist and homophobic behavior lodged against Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner, who has been placed on leave.

The allegations – some that were not part of an initial investigation by the league following a complaint filed by the MLS Players Association – were outlined in a report published Tuesday in The Guardian.

Allegations include racist, sexist and homophobic comments and inappropriate physical contact with a team employee. The initial investigation was closed after the allegations in the complaint could not be corroborated.

Tanner has denied the allegations.

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Report: Ernst Tanner facing allegations of sexist, racist and homophobic behavior

Matthew Ralph

Matthew Ralph is the managing editor of Philadelphia Soccer Now. He's covered soccer at all levels for a decade in the Philadelphia region and has also written for TheCup.us, NPSL, PrepSoccer and other publications. He lives with his wife and two young children in Broomall, Pa., but grew up in South Jersey and is originally from Kansas.