Sporting KC part ways with sporting director Gavin Wilkinson after eight days

Sporting Kansas City has agreed to part ways with sporting director Gavin Wilkinson after just eight days, citing a “passionate response from our fans” regarding the controversial appointment, the team announced Friday.

Wilkinson, the former president and general manager of the NWSL’s Portland Thorns, was fired by the team in 2022 following a separate investigation into its handling of coach misconduct. Wilkinson’s name has surfaced in the cover-up of sexual harassment allegations against former Thorns coach Paul Riley.

Sporting KC principal owner Michael Illig said the decision “demonstrates our long-standing, unequivocal respect for” the voices of fans, community supporters, partners and stakeholders of the team.

An independent investigation led by former U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates uncovered misconduct while Wilkinson was the Thorns’ general manager. He was responsible for the hiring of Riley, one of five NWSL coaches fired or resigned in 2021 amid claims of misconduct.

The Thorns were also fined $1 million as part of the fallout from the investigation.

Sporting KC wanted to expand its front office to ease the burden on Vermes, who has been the club’s manager since 2009 and sporting director for the past four years. Vermes, the longest-tenured coach in MLS history, has guided the club to the 2013 MLS Cup since the 2011 season, along with three U.S. Open Cups and 11 playoff appearances.