Sporting KC’s Felipe Hernandez suspended for betting on Major League Soccer matches

Sporting Kansas City midfielder Felipe Hernandez has been suspended without pay for the remainder of the 2021 Major League Soccer season for wagering on MLS games.

Hernandez placed bets on two MLS matches, according to an statement from the league, which is a direct breach of MLS policy.

Neither of the games on which Hernandez wagered involved Sporting KC, the league said.

Hernandez last appeared in a game for Sporting KC on July 4 — a road victory against the L.A. Galaxy. The next day, on July 5, Hernandez disclosed to Sporting KC officials that he was concerned about his personal safety because of his gambling debts.

MLS initiated an investigation later that day and referred the matter to law enforcement to ensure that Hernandez received proper support and counseling.

“Him (Hernandez) coming forward took a lot of courage,” Sporting KC coach Peter Vermes said. “I truly believe that he wanted to do the right thing, and I think he’s working hard to get himself on the right track.”

Hernandez, 23, had been unavailable to play for Sporting KC due to “personal reasons,” according to explanation since July from Vermes and club statements issued during his absence.

The Friday news release from MLS says that Hernandez had been suspended since July pending completion of investigations by MLS and law enforcement. Those investigations have now concluded.

Hernandez posted on social media that he was thankful for the help he’s receiving from MLS, Sporting KC ownership and his agent.

The investigation found that Hernandez had engaged in unlawful sports gambling while a member of Sporting KC, but that he had no confidential or non-public information concerning the two MLS matches on which he wagered.

No evidence was found that the integrity of any MLS game was affected by the sports gambling activities under investigation, the league said.

Hernandez will be eligible for reinstatement to the league on Jan. 1, 2022, following an application to MLS commissioner Don Garber, who will consider Hernandez’s application based on a number of factors, including ongoing counseling, the league’s statement said.

“I believe that he deserves a second chance,” Vermes said, “and I would for sure give it to him.”

This story was originally published October 8, 2021 at 3:41 PM with the headline "Sporting KC’s Felipe Hernandez suspended for betting on Major League Soccer matches."