Former employee sues MLS over alleged racial bias and wrongful termination; league says claims have 'no merit'

Cedric Shine, a former marketing director at Major League Soccer, has filed a lawsuit against the league and Soccer United Marketing, alleging he was fired after raising concerns over racial discrimination within the organization.

Shine claims he complained to human resources after being passed over for a promised promotion and questioned the broader treatment of fellow Black employees within the organization. While he was ultimately promoted, Shine claims his managers began undermining his work and isolating him. He says he was fired shortly after trying to escalate his concerns to senior leadership.

Shine alleges that he was fired without explanation, and that the league fabricated a supposed profanity-laced call a month earlier as justification for his termination. He is suing MLS for damages under the New York City Human Rights Law, claiming the league prioritized protecting senior leadership over confronting clear acts of discrimination and retaliation.

Shine is seeking unspecified damages.

MLS denied all of Shine's claims, issuing a statement to GOAL: "Mr. Shine’s allegations of retaliation have no merit, and the League intends to vigorously defend the recently filed lawsuit. Major League Soccer is committed to providing an equitable and inclusive environment."

According to the complaint, “As a proximate result of MLS’ conduct, Shine has been adversely affected in his employment and career, emotional well-being, the quality of his life, and in his normal life’s pursuits, and Shine believes MLS’ conduct … has and will continue to have a negative effect upon him."

MLS has launched several anti-racism campaigns in the past due to the on-field incidents. The league also has a strategic partnership with Black Players for Change, a non-profit founded by several MLS players.