MLS without referees? This is now more than a possibility. Negotiations on a new collective agreement between the Professional Referees Organization (PRO) and the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) have not resulted in a new agreement and, barring a change over the ten next few days, a work stoppage of referees would be imminent according to the site The Athletic. Without common ground, this referee work stoppage would force MLS to find replacements at the start of its preseason and season.
“The parties remain distant on issues of great importance”
In December, the Professional Referees Organization proposed a 3% salary increase for referees. The Association of Professional Soccer Referees, the PSRA, judged this offer to be significantly lower than its expectations. “We negotiate a contract with the same intensity, focus and dedication that we bring to every game as highly qualified referees who live for this sport,” PSRA President Peter Manikowski said in a statement. . At present, the parties remain far apart on issues of great importance to the lives and livelihoods of our members. We are frustrated, but we remain committed to the negotiation process, he said.
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Multiple sources told The Athletic that the PSRA now has a fund for work stoppages or strikes, with one person familiar with the matter calling it large enough for an extended work stoppage .
The American Championship will begin on February 22 with a meeting between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Real Salt Lake.
2024-01-06 15:22:38
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