FC Cincinnati coach Ron Jans resigns amid investigation into alleged use of racial slur

BRADENTON, Fla. — FC Cincinnati head coach Ron Jans' tenure at the club has ended. 

Jans, FC Cincinnati's head coach of less than a year, resigned from his post Monday night. The move came in the midst of a Major League Soccer investigation into Jans' alleged use of a racial slur and mounting outside pressure to address the accusations.

For the second time in his FC Cincinnati career, assistant coach Yoann Damet will assume interim head coaching duties while General Manager Gerard Nijkamp conducts an international search for the club's full-time replacement. 

“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 team news release.

“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."

FC Cincinnati head coach Ron Jans speaks at his first press conference as FC Cincinnati's head coach on Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, in Milford. (Photo: Albert Cesare / The Enquirer)

Jans was introduced as the club's third-ever permanent head coach in August, as FC Cincinnati's inaugural MLS campaign went listed on the field. 

He presided over the final matches of the 2019 regular season, posting one victory, five losses and four draws. 

In a statement provided by the club, Jans said the following about his departure: "I really want to thank everyone at FC Cincinnati. I had a really great time in Cincinnati and with the club, with the staff, players, owners and fans. Especially the fans. I’m really sorry our story ends like this. But even if I were to return, there would be too much damage done to be able to move forward successfully. I want to wish the club good luck in the continued building of FC Cincinnati to the next stage.”

Jans didn't immediately respond to The Cincinnati Enquirer's Tuesday morning request for comment. 

The club's plan was for Jans to see out the 2019 season as best he could and then set to work rebuilding the personnel and on-field product with Nijkamp, Jans' former employer at Dutch club PEC Zwolle. 

For Jans, 61, only part of the plan at FC Cincinnati was realized.

The team was rebuilt in the offseason with marquee signings and loan deals including Jürgen Locadia, formerly the record signing for English Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion. 

Jans presided over preseason through Feb. 13 but stepped away from the team when it learned from the Major League Soccer Players Association of the complaint filed against Jans. 

Former players and friends stepped up to defend Jans, but that wasn't enough after MLS conducted its investigation into the matter.

Jans' last match in charge — a preseason friendly win against Philadelphia Union last Wednesday — showed the promise of what he helped build on the field.

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