Inter Miami paying the price for preseason globe-trotting

Ex-Barca wonderkid Puig leading LA Galaxy back to the top

Respect Bruno! Man Utd captain up there with Odegaard & KDB

Erin Cuthbert: From unsung star to Chelsea's UWCL hero

Milan's history-making 'hurricane' on City & Arsenal's radar

Explained: How much promotion is worth to Wrexham

Trossard 'playing like R9' after Hathaway 'I love you' shout

Man Utd set new Premier League marker in Sheffield Utd win

'There's no negatives about it' - Zidane backed to replace Ten Hag

Foden joins Haaland and Messi by reaching special milestone 

Why visa issues may cause issues at the 2026 World Cup

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Replacement referees were conducting matches in the MLS</li><li>Things could change after CBA was signed</li><li>Lalas takes aim at the protesting referees</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

'Glad they agreed' - Alexi Lalas aims sarcastic dig at MLS referees after lockout finally ends

Major League Soccer

New England Revolution

Inter Miami CF

New York City FC

Charlotte FC

MLS authorities <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lionel-messi-minor-league-player-mls-gambling-reputation-referee-lockout-2024-mistakes-underqualified/blt066013af60e2848a" target="_blank">were forced to turn to replacement officials</a> from the lower divisions since the start of the 2024 MLS campaign after the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) and the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) continued to be at loggerheads over a new labour pact. The PRO demanded better wages, an improved travel and match schedule. And after a month of tough negotiations, both parties were able to shake hands and a<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/mls-referee-lockout-ends-why-the-chaos-finally-appears-to-be-over-explained/blt2c1fd2f6432223f4#cs5018fe45f07e5ee4" target="_blank"> new CBA was brought into force. </a>

WHAT HAPPENED?

The new deal is a seven-year memorandum which will end in 2030. The PRO has allegedly been able to get most of their demands ratified which will see a significant rise in salaries of the match officials. It has been reported that in 2030 the wage could reach $110,000 for officials with less than 200 games under their belt and a staggering $182,000 annually for the veteran referees.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The replacement referees failed to live up to the standards and there were fervent complaints from managers and players alike on some contentious decisions. Now, with the MLS match officials set for a return, Lalas aimed a sarcastic dig at them on X: "Glad they agreed on a deal. I look forward to the return of MLS games devoid of referee mistakes, disagreements, or controversies."

WHAT LALAS SAID

MLS action will resume this weekend with regular officials when Philadelphia Union lock horns with Minnesota United on Saturday. However, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami will take the pitch on the same day against New York City FC in Florida.

WHAT NEXT?

'Glad they agreed' - Alexi Lalas aims sarcastic dig at MLS referees after lockout finally ends | Goal.com US

Alexi Lalas aimed a cheeky jibe at MLS&apos; match officials after they put an end to the lockout upon reaching a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Editors' Picks