MLS has effectively suspended Sporting Kansas City midfielder Felipe Hernández after he was reported for violating the league’s gambling policies.
The league issued a statement on Friday, saying that Hernández was placed “on administrative leave following a report that the player violated the league’s gambling policies, as well as the terms of his January 2022 reinstatement.”
The 26-year-old has made nine appearances in all competitions for Sporting this season. The club has yet to make a public comment beyond publishing MLS’s statement.
Hernández was previously suspended for gambling violations in October 2021. MLS required Hernández to undergo counseling for gambling addiction at the time, and per the Kansas City Star conducted an investigation into Hernández’s “extensive and unlawful” betting.
That included wagers placed on two MLS matches, though neither involved Kansas City. The investigation concluded that there was no evidence of Hernández placing bets with confidential knowledge, or that his gambling had an impact on the competitive integrity of either game.
Hernández was reinstated in January 2022, with MLS noting that the Colombia-born USYNT player’s “continued abstinence from gambling” was required for him to continue playing in the league.
It was not immediately clear at the time of publication what Hernández’s violations were in this second instance. ESPN reported on Friday that MLS is investigating the matter.
Hernández latest athlete in hot water over gambling
Gambling is increasingly legal across the U.S., depending on jurisdiction, and has become an increasing stress point for pro sports leagues.
That includes MLS, where the Colorado Rapids parted ways with Max Alves after the Brazilian was alleged to have accepted a $12,000 payment for picking up a yellow card in a 2022 match against the LA Galaxy.
Just this month, Major League Baseball issued a lifetime ban to San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for betting on his own team’s games. In April, Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter was barred from the NBA for life after an investigation found he had bet on games, shared confidential information with other bettors, and made numerous other violations related to gambling.
In European soccer, Brentford striker Ivan Toney was banned for eight months over betting allegations, while Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali was given a 10-month ban in October 2023 for betting on Serie A matches.
