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

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.

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

Leo Messi and Co. will kick off the MLS regular season in 2024. The Florida side’s first game is scheduled for 21 February, when they will face Real Salt Lake, and referees may not yet be available due to the disagreement between the parties.

Although the negotiations have been described as a “daunting process”, there is still scope for the two bodies to reach an agreement. However, the lockout that postponed the start of the NBA in 2011 is not far behind. On that occasion it was the players’ agreement that led to a lockout that disrupted all the league’s plans.