Bruce Arena, the former coach of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), has resigned from his position as head coach and sporting director of the New England Revolution. This decision comes amidst an ongoing investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior made against him.
Arena, who took charge of the Revolution in May 2019, stepped down from his role following a meeting with the club’s ownership. The investigation into the alleged misconduct is being conducted by an external law firm hired by the Major League Soccer (MLS) organization.
The specific details and nature of the allegations have not been disclosed publicly. However, it is understood that the investigation is centered around Arena’s behavior towards a female employee of the club. The Revolution have stated their commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all staff members.
In a statement released by the club, New England Revolution President Brian Bilello expressed gratitude for Arena’s contributions to the team during his tenure. Bilello also emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful and professional workplace environment.
Arena, a highly respected figure in American soccer, has had a long and successful coaching career. He previously served as the head coach of the USMNT from 1998 to 2006, leading the team to the quarterfinals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He returned to coach the national team in 2016 but failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, resulting in his resignation.
Under Arena’s guidance, the New England Revolution experienced some success on the field. During the 2020 season, the team reached the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 2014. However, this recent development has led to the abrupt end of his tenure with the club.
The New England Revolution will now begin the search for a new head coach and sporting director to lead the team moving forward. In the meantime, Assistant Coach Richie Williams will assume interim coaching duties.
The MLS organization has made it clear that they take all allegations of misconduct seriously and are committed to upholding a safe and inclusive environment within the league. Investigations into such matters are conducted thoroughly and independently to ensure fairness and accountability.
As Bruce Arena resigns from his position as head coach and sporting director of the New England Revolution, the club faces the task of finding a suitable replacement to lead the team into the future. The outcome of the ongoing investigation will play a significant role in shaping the next steps for both Arena and the Revolution.
