MLS might open season with replacement referees after labor deal is rejected

Major League Soccer might open its regular season Wednesday using replacement officials after members of the Professional Soccer Referees Assn. “It’s extremely disappointing that the officials have voted against the tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement,” Nelson Rodríguez, the MLS executive vice president of sporting product and competition, said in a statement. “PRO has informed us of its contingency plan for the upcoming MLS season, which includes utilizing experienced professional match referees supported by veteran VAR officials.” MLS used replacement officials for the first two weeks of the 2014 season when a labor impasse led to a lockout. Our members are asking not only for fair compensation at a time when the league is experiencing record growth, but also for the ability to take care of themselves on the road and at home to continue officiating at the highest level that this sport demands.” But while PRO and MLS seem resigned Saturday to begin the season with replacement officials, the union said it was “committed to promptly returning to the negotiating table … to reach an agreement.” U.S. officials have recently proved to be among the best in the world.