Lionel Messi is set to re-enter Major League Soccer action on Wednesday evening, but he may encounter an unexpected twist regarding officiating.
The 2024 MLS season kicks off as Inter Miami takes on Real Salt Lake at the DRV PNK Stadium in Florida.
Despite Messi’s efforts last season, Miami failed to secure a spot in the post-season playoffs. This time, the Argentine star is determined to lead David Beckham’s franchise to their first MLS Cup victory.
However, Miami’s season opener might encounter a deviation from the norm. According to CBS reports, MLS will need to enlist emergency referees due to a strike by the usual officials.
The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) rejected the proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement, leading the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) to prohibit PSRA members from officiating league matches.
Among the officials’ demands are increased pay, upgraded travel accommodations such as first or business-class flights for MLS Cup playoffs, and improved treatment facilities including access to physiotherapy.
The previous referees’ agreement expired on February 12, a mere nine days before the start of the new season.
Peter Manikowski, president and lead negotiator for PSRA, emphasized the dedication of officials to their craft, highlighting the intensified demands brought about by MLS’s rapid growth.
A similar situation arose in 2014 when replacement referees were hastily brought in.
There are apprehensions that these replacements, while described as “experienced professional match referees supported by veteran VAR officials” by MLS and PRO, may not possess the fitness levels or grasp of new regulations characteristic of elite referees.
Starting this season, a ten-second limit for substitutes to exit the field will be enforced, with replacements barred from entering for 60 seconds in case of delays.
Messi and Luis Suarez likely did not anticipate their competitive reunion to occur amid a backdrop of officiating uncertainties.
