Major League Soccer (MLS) is poised to kick off its season this week with replacement referees as unionized match officials rejected a contract offer they deemed inadequate. The Professional Soccer Referees Association saw nearly 96% of its members voting against a proposed collective bargaining agreement put forward by the Professional Referee Organization (PRO). As a result of the vote, the PRO has announced a lockout of unionized match officials, opting instead to start the regular season with non-unionized replacement referees. The MLS season is scheduled to commence on Wednesday at 8 p.m. with Inter Miami, featuring soccer legend Lionel Messi, facing off against Real Salt Lake.

PRO General Manager, Mark Geiger, expressed disappointment at the outcome of the membership vote, stating that the lockout and use of replacement referees were necessary for games to proceed as scheduled. Union president and lead negotiator, Peter Manikowski, highlighted the increased demands placed on referees due to the fast-paced nature of the sport and the league's record growth. The referees' union emphasized the need for fair compensation and support to maintain the highest level of officiating required by the sport.

The contract dispute arises after the expiration of a previous agreement covering MLS referees on January 15. The lockout decision follows the union's authorization of a potential strike during negotiations, as reported by The Athletic. Despite the disagreements, both groups expressed hopes of reaching a resolution. Major League Soccer executive vice president, Nelson Rodríguez, deemed the union vote "extremely disappointing" and voiced support for the use of replacement referees outlined in the PRO's contingency plan.

However, union president Manikowski raised concerns over the experience and fitness levels of backup match officials, stating that they may not possess the necessary qualifications to effectively fulfill the roles of the unionized referees. The ongoing contract dispute adds uncertainty to the start of the MLS season, with both sides striving to find a mutual agreement that satisfies the needs of the match officials and the league.