THE MLS looks set to begin the new season without its referees because of an ongoing pay dispute.
And that means the campaign will likely begin with emergency replacement officials drafted in.
The 2024 MLS kicks off on Wednesday night when Inter Miami host Real Salt Lake.
But according to CBS, the usual refs are no closer to striking a deal to take charge of the matches.
It comes after the latest proposed deal was rejected by the Professional Soccer Referees Association.
Now the Professional Refereee Organization are expected to block their members overseeing MLS games from this week.
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The previous referees’ deal expired on February 12, just nine days before the first game of the new season.
However, an extension continues to be rejected over factors.
The officials’ demands include increased pay, first- or business-class travel for MLS Cup play-offs and improvements in treatment including physiotherapy.
Peter Manikowski, president and lead negotiator for PSRA, said: “We live for this game, giving it 100 per cent of our dedication, experience, fitness and ability.
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“The skyrocketing growth of MLS has significantly increased demands on officials mentally and physically, and as such has increased demands on both our professional and personal time.
“Our members are asking not only for fair compensation at a time when the league is reporting record growth, but also for the ability to take care of themselves on the road and at home to continue officiating at the highest level that this sport demands.”
Should a deal fail to be struck in the next few days, the MLS will see a repeat of the 2014 campaign which started with replacement refs.
And that could cause problems for matches due to the elite referees’ fitness levels, familiarity with the players and understanding of new rule changes.
That includes the introduction of a ten-second limit for substitutes to leave the field – or else their replacement cannot come on for 60 seconds.
MLS Executive Vice President of Sporting Product & Competition Nelson Rodríguez said: “It’s extremely disappointing that the officials have voted against the tentative agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
“PRO worked for months and addressed all the issues that were raised by PSRA’s bargaining unit. It is also unfortunate that the PSRA rejected PRO’s offer for a mutual no strike – no lockout commitment, which would have allowed all match officials to continue working during ongoing negotiations.
“PRO has informed us of its contingency plan for the upcoming MLS season, which includes utilising experienced professional match referees supported by veteran VAR officials. We are confident in the comprehensive plan they have put in place.”
Columbus Crew beat Los Angeles in the MLS Cup final in 2023 to be crowned champions for the third time.
But Lionel Messi will be desperate to inspire David Beckham’s Inter Miami to glory.
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The Argentine legend joined the Florida club following the expiration of his PSG contract last summer, chipping in with one goal in six MLS appearances.
But this year he will have a full season alongside the likes of Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba as the former Barcelona quartet aim to add to their incredible trophy cabinets.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
