UPDATE (Feb. 19, 2024) – Following Kai Wagner’s completion of MLS’ restorative practices program and in keeping with the MLS-MLSPA Joint Anti-Discrimination Policy, Major League Soccer announced today that Wagner’s previously announced three-game suspension will no longer carry forward into the first match of the 2024 season.
The Philadelphia Union left back is therefore eligible to play when their 2024 campaign begins on Feb. 24 vs. Chicago Fire FC (7:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
ORIGINAL (Nov. 7, 2023) – MLS has issued a three-match suspension to Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner for violating the league’s on-field antidiscrimination policy during the Philadelphia Union vs. New England Revolution match on Saturday, October 28.
The suspension is effective immediately and Wagner will be unavailable for Philadelphia's match on Wednesday, November 8 at New England and the Union’s subsequent two MLS matches.
If Philadelphia are eliminated from the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs before the suspension is complete, then it will carry forward into the first match of the next season.
Wagner is also required to continue to participate in league-mandated education and training sessions, a process which has already begun, and must remain in full compliance with a program directed by a league-appointed restorative practices expert.
In reaching this decision, MLS considered many factors, including Wagner’s immediate acceptance of responsibility, willingness to participate in a restorative practices process to repair the harm caused, and his cooperation with the league’s investigation.
