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

MLS authorities were forced to turn to replacement officials 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 new CBA was brought into force.

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 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."

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.