The Professional Referee Organization (PRO) has decided to lock out Major League Soccer (MLS) referees before the 2024 season due to the rejection of a new labor agreement by the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA). This means that replacement referees will officiate the season opener, including Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami match. The PSRA cited issues with compensation, benefits, travel, and scheduling as reasons for rejecting the proposed agreement. PRO expressed disappointment and highlighted efforts to address concerns, offering some of the highest pay for soccer officials globally. They also proposed a mutual no-strike, no-lockout commitment, which was rejected by PSRA. MLS expressed confidence in PRO’s plan for the season, emphasizing the use of experienced referees and VAR officials.
