MLS referees reject tentative contract, Lionel Messi’s Miami could open with replacement officials
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP-CP) — The Professional Referee Organization is locking out referees after their union rejected a tentative contract, putting Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on track to open the season next week with replacement officials.
The Professional Soccer Referees Association said Saturday that 95.8 per cent voted against a tentative agreement with the Professional Referee Organization, which supplies match officials to MLS, the NWSL and some lower-tier leagues. The union said 97.8 per cent of approximately 260 eligible members voted.
The PSRA also rejected a proposal from PRO for the parties to mutually agree not to institute a strike or lockout through the 2024 MLS Cup while negotiations continue.
A five-year agreement had been set to expire Jan. 15, and a pair of brief extensions ended Monday.