Drew Fischer has been announced as the 2024 MLS Referee of the Year by Major League Soccer and the Professional Referee Organization. This prestigious honor marks Fischer's first time receiving this recognition. Fischer, a Canadian official who made his MLS refereeing debut in 2012, has officiated several MLS All-Star Games and MLS Cups throughout his career. In the 2024 regular season, he oversaw 16 MLS matches, including his 200th game as an MLS referee when Vancouver Whitecaps FC faced LAFC at BC Place on October 13.

Not only has Fischer excelled in MLS, but he has also made significant international strides. He joined the FIFA international panel in 2015 and served as a referee and fourth official at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Fischer's remarkable resume includes officiating at the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2019 and 2023, the FIFA Club World Cup in 2020 and 2021, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The selection process for the MLS Referee of the Year involved nominations from executives of the Professional Referee Organization, followed by votes from MLS club technical staff, media members, and players. Fischer joins the esteemed list of past winners who have been recognized for their exceptional officiating in Major League Soccer.

**Social Media Reactions:**
- However guy robbed
- He’ll never not look like William H. Macy
- Frank Gallagher would be a better ref than him
- He shovels, and he shovels well!
- Voted unanimously by Sergio Busquets
- Really hoped it would be Penso for refusing to take shit from anybody.
- Dangit no one’s here yet
- LMAO
- One of my favorite Penso moments was when he gave a whitecap a yellow and the player bumped into him while protesting
- This one actually makes sense when you realize the criteria for being an MLS ref is to be wildly inconsistent and pull 180° logical backflips in the same match. Nobody does it better.
- Oh no. We're getting Unkel'd tonight and he's gonna be pissed he didn't get the proper recognition
- For helping Miami get the points record? /JOKING
- Miami has won all 8 games he refereed

(Source: Transfermarkt)