The MLS referee problem that could affect the start of the 2024 season

The MLS could be forced into hiring referees from abroad.

Víctor Martín J.VictorMartJimUpdate: Jan 6th, 2024 11:00 EST

The Professional Referees Organisation (PRO) and the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) have failed to reach an agreement on the new collective bargaining agreement affecting professional referees in the United States. As a result, and according to The Athletic, a work stoppage is scheduled to begin in about 10 days and it could affect the start of the MLS season.

The position of both bodies is still relatively distant in terms of the conditions negotiated, so it is possible that a stoppage of several months could be considered, which would force the league to look for referees outside its borders for the start of the season, just as other competitions such as the Saudi and Qatari leagues are doing.

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Bill Barrett/ISI PhotosBill Barrett/isiphotos.com

The current collective bargaining agreement between the PRO and the PSRA dates from early 2019 and now several years later, major changes are expected in terms of their rights and conditions. This agreement expires on 15 January, by which date it seems unlikely that an agreement will have been reached.

Inter Miami, the first to be affected