D.C United have been fined $25,000 for failing to comply with Major League Soccer's diverse hiring policy when appointing Wayne Rooney, the league has confirmed.
The former England, Everton and Manchester United striker returned to the Washington-based club in July, just weeks after resigning from his role as manager of Derby County after the Rams' relegation to League One.
However, a review from MLS has concluded that D.C United did not sufficiently follow the league's diversity hiring procedure prior to appointing Rooney. The league's legislation states that the final pool of candidates must include at least two individuals from an underrepresented group, where at least one is black or African American.
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According to the Independent, league officials acknowledged that D.C United met the criteria with two qualifying candidates but learned during the recruitment process that one of the contenders would not be able to pursue the job. Meaning that only one of the underrepresented and/or black or African American candidates could not be counted on the club's 'finalist pool' alongside Rooney and their failure to notify the league of their unfamiliar circumstances has now landed the MLS outfit a $25,000 fine.
“As a result, the club remained obligated to interview an additional candidate from an underrepresented group as part of the “finalist pool” or request a waiver from MLS detailing the extenuating circumstances that would not allow them to have done so," read a statement from the MLS.
“D.C. United, who announced Wayne Rooney as their new head coach on July 12, failed to do so, resulting in the fine.”
Rooney's employers responded, with their explanation of events: "D.C United respect Major League Soccer's decision in regard to the club's process of hiring its new head coach earlier this season.
"D.C United have made it a fundamental practice to prioritize interviewing candidates from underrepresented groups for all leadership positions, inclusive of coaches, across the organization. This practice has resulted in the club having one of the most diverse leadership groups across Major League Soccer."
Rooney's side finished the regular 2022 season at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, having won seven of their 34 league games.
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