In a last-minute switch, the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) has reassigned the head referee for Inter Miami's match against Orlando City SC following concerns of a potential conflict of interest. Originally scheduled to officiate the game, Brazilian referee Guilherme Ceretta de Lima was replaced by Jamie Herrera after pictures of him wearing an Inter Miami jersey surfaced on Instagram.

The decision to switch referees was prompted by the discovery of social media images showing de Lima donning the jersey of the home team, Inter Miami. PRO, in a statement to the Athletic, acknowledged the need for neutrality and explained that de Lima's removal from the match was necessary due to the possibility of a conflict.

While it is not uncommon for referees to have personal allegiances, it is generally standard practice for officials to abstain from officiating matches where conflicts of interest may arise. However, the ongoing labor dispute between the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) and PRO has resulted in the utilization of replacement referees for the second consecutive week. The PSRA has been locked out since their labor agreement with PRO expired on February 12, leading to a scramble each week to find officials for league matches.

Last week, the use of replacement referees sparked controversy when Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Mark Delgado was incorrectly issued a second yellow card and subsequently sent off in a match against Lionel Messi's team. Delgado's dismissal proved to be a game-changing decision, as Messi capitalized on the man advantage to score, ultimately resulting in a draw. Following a review by the league's independent panel, the card was rescinded, and Delgado is now available for the Galaxy's upcoming match.

These incidents highlight the significance of making accurate decisions on the field, especially amidst a labor dispute. With slim margins and potentially decisive moments, the need for impartial officiating becomes crucial. PRO's decision to replace de Lima demonstrates their commitment to ensuring fairness in this high-profile rivalry match.

The task now falls upon replacement referee Jamie Herrera to lead the match between Inter Miami and Orlando City SC. The officials will face the challenging task of officiating a game involving superstar Lionel Messi, emphasizing the importance of experience and preparation in handling such high-pressure encounters.

As talks continue between PSRA and PRO to resolve their differences, the issue of finding qualified referees for league matches remains an ongoing concern. The outcome of matches can often be determined by split-second decisions, making it imperative that the right officials are appointed to ensure the integrity of the game.