A looming crisis in Major League Soccer (MLS) may jeopardize the commencement of the 2024 season as the Professional Referees Organisation (PRO) and the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) grapple with the failure to reach a consensus on the new collective bargaining agreement for professional referees in the United States.
- Failed Agreement and Work Stoppage: The PRO and PSRA, the key entities involved in negotiating the collective bargaining agreement, find themselves at an impasse, raising concerns about a potential work stoppage. With approximately 10 days until the scheduled commencement of the stoppage, The Athletic reports that the start of the MLS season is under threat.
- Possible International Referee Recruitment: In light of the disagreement, there is a looming possibility that the MLS might be compelled to seek referees from abroad. The scenario mirrors the approach taken by other leagues, such as the Saudi and Qatari leagues, which have enlisted foreign referees due to similar disputes with local officiating bodies.
- Expiry of Current Agreement: The existing collective bargaining agreement between PRO and PSRA, established in early 2019, is set to expire on January 15. The ongoing negotiations center around substantial alterations to the referees’ rights and working conditions. The lack of a breakthrough in discussions suggests that an extension or a new agreement before the deadline appears unlikely.
- Impact on Inter Miami and MLS Start: Inter Miami CF, scheduled to kick off the MLS regular season on February 21 against Real Salt Lake, stands as the first team potentially affected by the referee dispute. The uncertainty regarding referee availability underscores the urgency for both parties to find common ground and avert disruption to the league’s plans.
- Possibility of Prolonged Stoppage: While the negotiations are characterized as a challenging process, there remains a window for PRO and PSRA to reach a mutual agreement. However, the specter of a prolonged stoppage, reminiscent of the NBA lockout in 2011, looms large. The historical precedent of a players’ agreement leading to a disruptive lockout serves as a cautionary tale for MLS stakeholders.
Conclusion: The deadlock in the collective bargaining agreement negotiations between PRO and PSRA raises serious concerns about the potential impact on the start of the 2024 MLS season. As the countdown to the work stoppage continues, the urgency to find a resolution becomes paramount to prevent disruptions that could echo the challenges faced by other sports leagues in the past.
