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Philadelphia Union's Ernst Tanner on Leave Amid Investigation

2/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ernst Tanner, the Philadelphia Union sporting director, remains on administrative leave as MLS investigates allegations raised by the MLS Players Association after a Guardian investigation.
Tanner denies the allegations and cooperates with the investigation, now handled by Littler Mendelson.
The probe has faced delays because some potential sources are bound by non-disclosure agreements.
On leave since November, Tanner has been credited with strengthening the Union in MLS.

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Story summary

Ernst Tanner, the Philadelphia Union sporting director, remains on administrative leave as MLS investigates allegations raised by the MLS Players Association after a Guardian investigation.
Tanner denies the allegations and cooperates with the investigation, now handled by Littler Mendelson.
The probe has faced delays because some potential sources are bound by non-disclosure agreements.
On leave since November, Tanner has been credited with strengthening the Union in MLS.