Major League Soccer is suspending its ban on the Iron Front symbol for the remainder of the 2019 season. Along with suspending the ban on the Iron Front symbol, MLS announced Tuesday that it had formed a working group to review the league’s Fan Code of Conduct ahead of the 2020 season.

The announcement came following a conference call Tuesday between MLS, leaders from the Independent Supporters Council and supporters’ groups for the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders..

“After collaborative discussions with its fans, supporter groups, and clubs, Major League Soccer, the Independent Supporters Council, the 107 Independent Supporters Trust/Timbers Army, Emerald City Supporters, and Gorilla FC jointly announce the formation of a working group by MLS to review the league’s Fan Code of Conduct to ensure clarity and consistency in advance of the 2020 MLS season," said MLS President and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott in a statement Tuesday. “This working group will include representatives from the league office and clubs and work collaboratively with leaders of club supporter groups and a cross-section of diversity and inclusion experts. As part of this decision to update the Fan Code of Conduct for 2020, MLS has suspended the prohibition on the Iron Front imagery at matches for the balance of the 2019 season and Audi MLS Cup Playoffs while the working group conducts its analysis.”

MLS has faced significant backlash from fans this year after changing its Fan Code of Conduct to ban political signage and displays at games.

Among the specific signage that was barred by the league’s fan code of conduct was the Iron Front symbol, an emblem with three arrows pointing downward which was first used by an anti-Nazi paramilitary organization in Germany in the 1930s. Fans has said that the Iron Front symbol was not political because it represents an opposition to fascism and oppression, which are issues of human rights. MLS was concerned that the symbol had been adopted by the antifa movement, a loose affiliation of activists whose protests against fascism and racism have sometimes turned violent.

But after protests and pressure from fans in multiple markets, the league changed course. The league met with leaders from multiple supporters’ groups in Las Vegas, Nevada last week before following up with a conference call Tuesday. The league then announced its intention to suspend the Iron Front ban and review the Fan Code of Conduct.

“The Independent Supporters Council and supporter groups for the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders FC acknowledge the league’s willingness to discuss these complex issues, as well as the league’s affirmation of its long-time opposition to racism, fascism, white supremacy, white nationalism and homophobia," said the supporters’ groups in a statement Tuesday. "We appreciate Major League Soccer’s willingness to engage, listen, and learn. We look forward to continuing the dialogue, moving away from direct action in the stands on this issue, and instead focusing our energy on making progress around the table.”

The Timbers released a statement on Twitter Tuesday applauding MLS and the supporters’ groups for working together to achieve a positive resolution.

“We applaud the efforts by MLS, the 107ist and ISC for achieving a positive resolution & collaborative path forward on the Fan Code of Conduct,” the statement said. “We’re optimistic a more thoughtful Code of Conduct will be created & appreciate everyone’s willingness to listen, learn & come together.”

-- Jamie Goldberg | jgoldberg@oregonian.com

503-853-3761 | @jamiebgoldberg

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