FC Cincinnati announced that head coach Ron Jans resigned from his his position in the wake of an investigation surrounding a complaint made by the MLS Players Association accusing Jans of making "extremely inappropriate comments."
Jans stepped away from his coaching duties on Friday as the investigation began and formally resigned three days later. He leaves the club after joining FCC on Aug. 4, 2019.
“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,” club president Jeff Berding said in a statement.
“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,” Berding said.
Yoann Damet will serve as the club’s interim head coach while GM Gerard Nijkamp begins the international search for a new head coach. Damet previously served as interim head coach after former coach Alan Koch was relieved of his duties last season.
FC Cincinnati will begin the 2020 MLS season on March 1 against the New York Red Bulls.
