SKC’s Hernàndez on leave after gambling report

Sporting Kansas City midfielder Felipe Hernàndez has been placed on administrative leave following a report the player violated the league’s gambling policies, MLS said in a statement Friday.

This would mark the second time Hernàndez has violated such policies, having been suspended in 2021 when it was discovered he had bet on two MLS matches. Hernàndez was reinstated in January of 2022.

The league said in its statement Friday that Hernàndez also violated the terms of that reinstatement. An MLS spokesperson confirmed to ESPN that an investigation is underway.

At the time of his first suspension in 2021, Hernàndez revealed that he informed Sporting Kansas City of his gambling activities on July 5 of that year, and that he was concerned for his personal safety. He also disclosed that he had undergone treatment for a gambling addiction.

Following his reinstatement, Hernàndez made 38 league and cup appearances with SKC in 2022, though his playing time has decreased in subsequent seasons. In 2024, Hernàndez has made nine league and cup appearances with the first team, while making a single appearance with Sporting Kansas City II, SKC’s reserve team.