Austin FC's Cecilio Dominguez under investigation after police report alleges 'verbal and emotional abuse'

Two weeks after the Austin FC star player's sudden suspension, sources told ESPN that Designated Player Cecilio Dominguez is under investigation with Major League Soccer for alleged verbal and emotional abuse toward his ex-partner.

Dominguez's indefinite suspension was quickly announced April 8 ahead of the investigation. No other information was given at the time, although his agent was featured in a Paraguayan radio interview days later claiming that the incident was a "misunderstanding" that would be cleared up soon.

According to a police report obtained by ESPN, the league investigation began after members of the Austin Police Department were called to Dominguez's residence on April 8. The report said that Dominguez "was advised to not come back to the home as a result of report of family abuse" but that no charges were filed against him.

Austin FC told ESPN it "proactively provide(ed) preliminary information" regarding the report to the league and that "Austin FC continues to help and work closely with MLS on its ongoing investigation."

The club also contacted domestic violence experts after receiving the news, ESPN's source said.

"The club will refrain from further comment until the conclusion of that investigation," the club said.

Dominguez was not arrested, and no further action is being taken regarding the incident. In the police report, the alleged victim said that the two are no longer together and live separately, although Dominguez will continue to support her family.

A since-dropped domestic violence and psychological damage lawsuit was also filed against Dominguez in 2017 by another ex-partner of his in Paraguay.

Before his suspension, Dominguez was tied as Austin FC's top goalscorer last season and was one of its top-billed players with a highly-coveted "Designated Player" status. The club has won both of its matches since his absence and will once again play without Dominguez in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against San Antonio FC in San Antonio at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.