MLS ref lockout?
MLS refs reject tentative contract
MLS ref lockout? The union representing referees in Major League Soccer rejected a tentative contract, leading to the league’s decision to lock them out. As a result, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami team may have to open the season next week with replacement officials.
The Professional Soccer Referees Association reported that almost 96% of its members voted against the tentative agreement with the Professional Referee Organization. The latter supplies match officials to MLS, the NWSL, and some lower-tier leagues. The union also disclosed that around 98% of its eligible members voted. The previous five-year agreement that both parties had reached was supposed to expire on January 15, and two short extensions followed until Monday. PRO is set to lock out the union on Sunday.
MLS Tickets
See your favorite MLS team play.
The PSRA said in a statement the tentative agreement lacked a sufficient economic package and quality-of-life improvements.
“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,” union president Peter Manikowski said in a statement.
PRO’s proposal for wages, benefits, and travel was significantly better than last year, according to the league’s statement. On Wednesday, Messi and Miami will host Real Salt Lake for the MLS opener. During the first two weeks of its 2014 season, MLS employed replacement officials before finally agreeing to a contract. The union turned down a no-strike, no-lockout offer, as noted by league executive vice president Nelson Rodriguez. In a statement, he mentioned that PRO would utilize experienced professional match referees with the support of veteran VAR officials (video assistant referees).