Alexi Lalas took a cheeky swipe at MLS match officials after they ended their lockout by agreeing on a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Since the start of the 2024 MLS season, MLS authorities have relied on replacement officials from the lower divisions due to a standoff between the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) and the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) over a new labor agreement.
Alexi Lalas (Via FIFA/Twitter)
The PRO sought better wages and an improved travel and match schedule. After a month of intense negotiations, both parties reached an agreement, bringing a new CBA into effect.
The new agreement is a seven-year memorandum that will last until 2030. The PRO reportedly secured most of their demands, resulting in significant salary increases for match officials. By 2030, officials with less than 200 games could earn $110,000 annually, while veteran
The replacement referees struggled to meet standards, leading to numerous complaints from managers and players about questionable decisions.
MLS Officials (Via MLS/Twitter)
With the return of regular MLS match officials, Lalas took a sarcastic jab at them on X: “Glad they agreed on a deal. I look forward to the return of MLS games devoid of referee mistakes, disagreements, or controversies.”
MLS action will resume this weekend with regular officials as Philadelphia Union takes on Minnesota United on Saturday. Additionally, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will face New York City FC in Florida on the same day.
