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Ron Jans Resigns as FC Cincinnati Head Coach Amid Racial Slur Investigation

Feb 18, 2020

DEN HAAG, NETHERLANDS - NOVEMBER 23: Ron Jans during the Dutch Eredivisie match between ADO Den Haag v Willem II at the Cars Jeans Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Den Haag Netherlands (Photo by Laurens Lindhout/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Ron Jans has resigned from his position as the head coach of FC Cincinnati amid an ongoing MLS investigation into allegations that he used a racist slur in front of players.

The club confirmed on Tuesday that Jans had departed his position on their official website with a statement from president Jeff Berding:

"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.

"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."

As ESPN's Taylor Twellman reported, Jans is said to have told Berding he was singing along to a song in the players' dressing room when he used the racist slur:

Ron Jans tells @fccincinnati president Jeff Berding that he was signing a song being played in the locker room with the players. #MLS #FCCincy https://t.co/jjf3pBQYgw
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) February 14, 2020

Yoann Damet will take over as interim coach while a new permanent hire is sought.

According to the Guardian, Jans was told by one player after using the word of its "significance" in the United States.

The Cincinnati Enquirer's Paul Daugherty also reported that Jans made a comment in October about slavery while the team was in Washington preparing for a game with DC United that "wasn't universally well received."

Jans, 61, took charge of the team in August, close to the conclusion of their first-ever season as an MLS franchise.

Per the Guardian, he said he "had a really great time in Cincinnati and with the club, with the staff, players, owners and fans." Jans also added that "I'm really sorry our story ends like this."

FC Cincinnati will not have long to find a new head coach ahead of the 2020 MLS season. They kick off their second campaign in the league on March 1 against the New York Red Bulls.