FC Cincinnati Head Coach Ron Jans resigned yesterday evening after controversy over his alleged use of a racial slur.
His resignation comes as Major League Soccer investigates reports from the Major League Soccer Players Association filed last week alleging that Jans used a racial slur for African Americans in front of players, possibly in the club’s locker room. Jans, who is from the Netherlands, had said he was singing along with a song that contained the word, though another complaint alleged Jans made inappropriate comments about slavery on another occasion last October.
“As Major League Soccer’s investigation unfolded and some themes emerged, Ron offered his resignation and we agreed that it was the best course of action for everyone involved with FC Cincinnati,” FC Cincinnati President Jeff Berding said in a statement about Jans’ resignation today. “We place the utmost importance on a strong culture within our club, beginning in our locker room, and that every person connected with FC Cincinnati feels valued, respected and trusted. Racial and cultural diversity is a major part of what makes the game of soccer so special, and we place the highest priority on respecting every person involved in our game. This includes absolutely everyone associated with our club, from our locker room and front office, all the way through to our fans.”
Jans, 61, joined the team in June last year. Yoann Damet will step in as FC Cincinnati’s interim head coach. FC Cincinnati General Manager Gerard Nijkamp will oversee the search for the team’s next permanent head coach.
This article appears in Feb 5-18, 2020.
