MLS announces update to competition guidelines, including 'Only the Captain' rule

MLS announced a competition guidelines update ahead of the 2025 season labeled "Only the Captain" which is being implemented to improve the image of the game while reducing mobbing instances with a referee.

The aim of the rule is to open a direct line of communication between a club's captain and the match official, with the individual wearing the armband being the only player allowed to approach the referee over key decisions.

Following key decisions, no other players will be allowed to approach the referee, although the official himself is encouraged to speak with all players throughout a match.

The referee will designate a space, and signal to the club captain that that space will be where they can communicate. Players who approach that designated space who are not the captain may be issued a yellow card for dissent.

If a club captain is a team's goalkeeper, a vice captain can be nominated prior to the match.

Additionally, MLS will continue to use three substitution windows, with a maximum of five substitutions allowed during the 2025 season. MLS will also implement IFAB’s additional Permanent Concussion Substitutions protocol in 2025.

The rule permits teams to make one permanent concussion substitution per match, regardless of the number of substitutions or windows used already; it can be used when a player who has an actual or suspected head injury is substituted and takes no further part in the game. When a concussion substitution is utilized, the opposing team is issued an 'additional' substitution and window opportunity.

With the addition of the league's 30th team in expansion franchise San Diego FC, the schedule format will consist of 34 matches, featuring 17 home and 17 away for each club as well in 2025.

Clubs will play respective conference opponents twice, once at home and once away, while each club will also play one match against six different cross-conference opponents.

Commissioner Don Garber spoke to SBJ ahead of the 2025 season earlier this week, touching on the league's Apple TV deal, expansion, and more.

The 2025 MLS season begins on Saturday when LAFC host Minnesota United. All 30 teams are set to play opening weekend.