The New England Revolution Places Coach Bruce Arena on Administrative Leave

The New England Revolution, a team in Major League Soccer (MLS), has taken the decision to place their coach and sporting director, Bruce Arena, on administrative leave. This move comes in response to allegations of “insensitive and inappropriate remarks” made by Arena, who has been in charge of the team since 2019. The MLS is conducting an investigation into the matter.

In a statement, the MLS addressed the situation, stating, “New England Revolution Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena has been placed on administrative leave pending a review into allegations that he made insensitive and inappropriate remarks.” The team, in its own statement, affirmed their support for the investigation and stressed the importance of taking allegations of workplace misconduct seriously.

Interim Placements

As a result of Arena’s leave, the New England Revolution has appointed Curt Onalfo as interim sporting director and Richie Williams as interim coach. Although the team was informed of Arena’s absence on Sunday, it was not provided with any specific reasons.

Arena’s Background and Achievements

Bruce Arena, a former two-time coach of the U.S. men’s national team, led the team to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup. He returned for a second spell in 2016 but was unsuccessful in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Arena is considered the most successful coach in MLS history, having won five MLS Cups, three with the LA Galaxy and two with D.C. United.

Support for the Investigation

Both the MLS and the New England Revolution underlined their commitment to the ongoing investigation and emphasized the importance of creating a safe and respectful work environment. The cooperation between the organization and the league indicates a dedication to ensuring that any allegations of misconduct are thoroughly examined.

The decision to place Bruce Arena on administrative leave serves as a clear message that the New England Revolution and the MLS take allegations of workplace misconduct seriously. By conducting an investigation into the allegations of inappropriate remarks, they demonstrate their commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals involved in the sport. As interim placements are made, the team will continue to operate, with a focus on maintaining their current standing in MLS’ Eastern Conference.