MLS Faces Potential Referee Crisis as Union Votes to Authorize Strike

The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA), representing referees in North America and Canada, has voted to authorize a strike, putting the upcoming MLS season at risk. With the season set to begin on 21 February, the union’s decision increases the likelihood of starting with replacement officials.

Peter Manikowski, president of the PSRA, cited frustration among officials who haven’t benefited from the sport’s growth and alleged direct dealing by certain Professional Referee Organization (PRO) managers. Negotiations involved a request for a pay-scale increase of up to 90%, countered by the PRO with an offer in single digits.

Approximately 250 PSRA members working mainly in MLS have been under an agreement that expired on 15 January 2024. The PSRA, employed by the PRO, requested an extension to 31 January 2024.

The potential strike could complicate the introduction of new MLS rules aimed at reducing time wasting. MLS, a leader in implementing the International Football Association Board’s mandate, plans stringent time-wasting rules for the 2024 season. A new rule targets feigned injuries, requiring a player to leave the field for three minutes if on the ground for over 15 seconds, resulting in an 80% reduction in stoppages during a trial period.

Time-wasting during substitutions will also face crackdowns, with a substituted player required to leave the pitch within 10 seconds. Failure to do so will result in a 60-second delay for the oncoming substitute. The PSRA emphasized potential issues with replacement officials, recalling the detriment caused by their lack of familiarity and experience in the 2014 labor dispute.

The impact of a strike could force the league to delay rule implementation or work with inexperienced replacement officials.