Major League Soccer players, coaches, and fans can breathe a sigh of relief after news regarding the referee lockout broke late Monday night. Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) members have approved a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the division. This means that the month-long lockout of the professional referees has come to an end.
Due to the previous dispute, MLS used replacement referees during the early stages of the 2024 season. These new refs have seemingly been under constant fire from players and coaches throughout the opening month of the campaign.
Not only have those involved with MLS clubs publicly voiced their concerns about these replacement refs, but the PSRA even recently issued a scathing statement on the issue as well. The union that represents referees used in MLS lambasted the replacements and the league for their part in the lockout. PSRA officials went as far as to say that “points were lost” directly due to the refs in place.
Referees and assistants receive serious salary raises
Nevertheless, veteran MLS referees will now be back on the pitch starting Saturday, March 30th. League exec Nelson Rodriguez announced his excitement with the agreement now in place. “We’re pleased this agreement provides PRO with a strong, long-term partnership to continue to develop and train the referees to make our officiating even better,” proclaimed Rodriguez
“We look forward to having the PRO match officials return this weekend, and we thank MLS players, coaches, and clubs for their professionalism, and our fans for their support throughout the opening month of the season.”
According to a report by The Athletic, the traditional officials will receive a significant raise in the new deal. Referees who currently have the least amount of experience are set for a 68% increase in salary. Referees with less than two years on the job previously made $50,000 per year in the old agreement. These…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mls-referee-lockout-ends-as-match-officials-earn-pay-raises
Author : Chris Moore
Publish date : 2024-03-26 14:59:13
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