Sporting City has agreed to part ways with sporting director Gavin Wilkinson after only eight days, citing an 'impassioned response from our fans' regarding the controversial hire, the team announced Friday. 

Wilkinson, the former president and general manager of the NWSL's Thorns, was fired by the team in 2022 after separate investigations into the handling of coach misconduct. 

Wilkinson's name surfaced in the coverup of sexual harassment allegations against former Thorns coach Paul Riley. 

Michael Illig, the principal owner of Sporting KC, said the decision 'demonstrates our longstanding, unequivocal respect for' the voices of fans, community supporters, partners and stakeholders of the team.

An independent investigation led by former Attorney General Sally Yates outlined misconduct while Wilkinson was the Thorns' GM. 

Sporting KC agreed to part ways with sporting director Gavin Wilkinson after barely a week

He was responsible for the hiring of Riley, who was among five NWSL coaches who were . 

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

In his introductory press conference with Sporting Kansas City last week, Wilkinson took time to offer an apology to the victims involved in Portland while he was in charge.

'I would like to take this moment to apologize for the unintended consequences and to the individuals who were impacted,' Wilkinson said. 'I should have done more than my previous role to protect and empower female athletes and not hide behind legal advice. 

Sporting KC wanted Wilkinson out after learning of his affiliation with Paul Riley - an ex-head coach of the Portland Thorns, of the NSWL, who's been accused of mental and physical abuse

'I should have been able to stand on my own two feet and questioned the process, find out more information, find out more about the situation that occurred and made a more informed decision.

I should have spoken up to prevent the hiring of the coach involved. 

'And as I said, a deeper dive and looking at that through through the lens. Having stepped away I owe those involved a sincere apology.' 

Sporting KC had been looking to add to its front office to ease the burden on coach Peter Vermes, who has served as the club's manager since 2009 and its sporting director the past four years. 

Vermes, the longest-tenured coach in MLS history, has led the club to the 2013 MLS Cup along with three U.S. Open Cups and 11 playoff appearances since the 2011 season.