UPDATED MAY 4, 2022

Cecilio Domínguez was barred from club activities while Major League Soccer investigated off-field misconduct by the Paraguayan designated player, according to an official press release issued on April 8.

The league’s full statement about his suspension:

After receiving preliminary information gathered by Austin FC, Major League Soccer has indefinitely suspended Austin FC player Cecilio Domínguez pending an MLS investigation into possible off-field misconduct. Mr. DomÍnguez will be prohibited from engaging in team activities during the pendency of the investigation. MLS will remain in close communication with Austin FC and the MLS Players Association throughout the process

Major League Soccer (April 8, 2022)

No further comment was given by the club’s coaches or front office following the shocking announcement.

In the days leading up to the suspension, Domínguez had missed Austin FC’s match against San Jose Earthquakes on April 2 in order to secure permanent U.S. residency. On April 7 Cecilio obtained a Green Card, according to the club.

A redacted copy of the police report released on April 21, showed Austin police visited the alleged victim’s residence on April 8. Dominguez was told by cops not to come back home “due to a report of family abuse”. Cecilio wasn’t arrested and no charges were filed. MLS took action at that time to conduct an investigation.

Cecilio Dominguez suspension ends

On May 4, MLS announced it reinstated Cecilio Domínguez from suspension, ending a nearly month-long investigation into the report of a domestic dispute. He can rejoin the team immediately on the condition that he agrees to participate in ongoing counseling. He missed a total of five games due to the investigation.

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