Ernst Tanner, the Philadelphia Union's suspended sporting director, has not returned to work despite becoming eligible for reinstatement, sources said this week. The barrier to his comeback: he has not finished the restorative practices training that MLS required as a condition of his suspension.
Tanner was barred from club duties through June 1 following an MLS investigation that found him in violation of league conduct policies. The inquiry, which wrapped up in March, was the second time the league examined allegations against him. An earlier investigation into claims of racist, sexist and homophobic behavior substantiated nothing at the time, but The Guardian's independent reporting later corroborated many of those complaints, prompting MLS to reopen its file.
The league suspended Tanner without pay but has declined to detail which specific violations it confirmed. Tanner has denied all accusations. MLS and the Union have offered no public update on his status or timeline for potential reinstatement.
The Union promoted Jon Scheer, a former academy director, to sporting director last week while also firing head coach Bradley Carnell following the franchise's worst start to a season. Owner Jay Sugarman addressed Tanner's situation at a press conference, describing him as still working through the restorative process. Sugarman said the club was waiting for results from the league and outside specialists before deciding on any next steps.
When pressed on whether Tanner might take a different role if his restoration training succeeds, Sugarman said it was premature to discuss his return until those results come in. He also noted that Tanner had previously planned to leave for Germany when his contract ended, putting any resolution on a tightening clock.
During his tenure at the Union, Tanner transformed the franchise into an MLS model for success on a modest budget. The academy system he built and managed has become one of the league's strongest programs, producing multiple players who made the U.S. roster for this summer's World Cup.
The Union currently sit last in the Eastern Conference and are navigating one of the worst seasons in club history. They resume play on July 22 against New York Red Bulls.
Author James Rodriguez: "The Union's management has done everything by the book here, but Tanner's incomplete training leaves them in limbo with a sinking team and an uncertain future for one of their biggest builders."
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