MLS Terminates Contract of Felipe Hernandez for Gambling Violations

Major League Soccer has announced that the contract of Sporting Kansas City midfielder Felipe Hernandez has been terminated, as he has committed a second violation of the league’s gambling policies. The 25-year-old homegrown player, who has been on administrative leave since June 2024, reportedly breached the terms of his January 2022 reinstatement, which required continued abstinence from gambling.

The Athlete Has a History with Gambling

Hernandez’s issues with gambling go back to 2021 when he received a suspension for the rest of the season after self-reporting his gambling activities to his team. His violations included placing two bets on MLS matches, although Sporting Kansas City was not involved in either game, which would have resulted in an even harsher penalty. 

MLS conducted a prompt investigation and concluded that Hernandez did not use inside or confidential information to gain an unfair advantage, determining that the integrity of those matches did not get compromised. Hernandez’s decision to self-report was a significant mitigating circumstance, and the athlete returned to the field in January 2022 under the condition that he wholly abstain from gambling.

Despite the seriousness of Hernandez’s actions and the looming threat over his career, the league’s latest investigation determined that he had violated the gambling policy once more. As a result, his contract has now been terminated. According to the league statement, Hernandez can apply for reinstatement to the MLS on 1 January 2026, pending review by the Commissioner’s office.

Sports Wagering Is an Everpresent Integrity Risk

The MLS confirmed the decision with an official statement, briefly disclosing the most relevant information regarding this case. The league confirmed that Hernandez’s newest violations did not compromise the integrity of any MLS match. It is yet unknown how exactly the athlete violated the terms of his reinstatement, but this move could significantly impact his professional growth.

Major League Soccer has terminated the contract of Sporting Kansas City midfielder Felipe Hernandez following a probe into allegations that he violated the league’s gambling policies for the second time.

MLS statement

With Kansas legalizing sports betting in 2022, the state has enjoyed a steadfast interest in sports wagering. However, the sports betting industry also brings some inherent dangers to vulnerable individuals. Experts have urged people who recognize they may have a problem to enter the voluntary self-exclusion program, preventing cases like the one with Hernandez.

This newest development underscores how no sport is safe from gambling-related controversy. Hopefully, Hernandez’s experience will serve as a warning to other MLS athletes. Despite a potential return in 2026, a year-long hiatus could substantially undermine Hernandez’s prospects, especially after two significant career-halting incidents.