During the duration of investigations
©IMAGO
The US club Philadelphia Union from Major League Soccer (MLS) has temporarily placed its German sports director Ernst Tanner on leave due to serious allegations of personal misconduct. The league has again initiated proceedings against the 59-year-old, as the club confirmed on its website. While the investigation is ongoing, Tanner should no longer work in his position. The sports director denies the allegations, which became public through a media report.
“Philadelphia Union takes all allegations of misconduct extremely seriously and is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for everyone associated with our association,” it said in a statement. Although a recent MLS investigation failed to confirm the allegations against Tanner, a new investigation is now underway. “Union continues to cooperate fully,” it said: “Throughout the entire process, the well-being of our players, fans, employees and the entire community remains our top priority.”
The English newspaper “Guardian” reported that a complaint against Tanner was filed with the MLS players’ union at the end of January. During his tenure over the past seven years, he is said to have made racist comments about black players, coaches and referees, among other things. He also made sexist and homophobic comments, and there were several times inappropriate physical contact with a club employee.
Tanner, who is on leave, defends himself against media reports
“I continue to firmly reject these allegations,” said a statement from Tanner’s legal counsel, which was available to the German Press Agency. It continued: “My priority is the team, staff and the Philadelphia Union community, especially at this important time when the team has the opportunity to further advance in the playoffs. I will cooperate fully with the league’s investigation to restore my good name and reputation.”
The Guardian had previously quoted a lawyer’s letter in which the allegations were also disputed: “Ernst Tanner firmly rejects these allegations, some of which are six or seven years old.” During his more than thirty-year career in international professional football, Tanner has “always worked fairly and effectively in a diverse, multicultural environment while maintaining high professional standards.”
Tanner’s legal counsel also submitted five statements from the official’s current and former colleagues at the Philadelphia club to confirm “that he fostered a productive and inclusive work environment,” the Guardian said. Tanner worked in the Bundesliga for many years as head of the youth department, sporting director and managing director of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.