Lionel Messi may not set foot on the pitch at Lockhart Stadium in Miami for the first day of Major League Soccer, Thursday February 22.
After several controversies during Inter Miami's world tour, the Argentine Golden Ball has recovered from his injuries, but this time he might not be in a jersey on the field due to a strike that shakes the MLS.
The event could well disrupt the start of the North American championship season, which must therefore resume this Thursday.
Also read “A very special match”: when Messi reunites with his childhood club Newell’s Old Boys with Miami
In negotiations since October 2023, the MLS and the professional referees union (PSRA) have failed to agree on their remuneration, while the previous collective agreement ended on January 15, 2024. Representative of the MLS in this case, the Professional Referee Organization is responsible for negotiating with the PSRA of arbitrators.
But the latest proposal, including a five-year collective bargaining agreement with a 10 to 104 percent increase in referee pay based on experience, as well as business-class plane tickets during the playoffs, has not been successful. is enough.
The union refused the proposal, before beginning mobilization.
Our officials are the backbone of fair play in MLS, bringing years of expertise.
But now, MLS wants to use “replacements.”
This will shake up the upcoming MLS season, leaving crucial calls and player safety in inexperienced hands.
Pro Refs for Pro Soccer.
#FairPayisFairPlay pic.twitter.com/4EBSBZzAaA
— PSRA Officials (@PSRAofficials) February 18, 2024
Indeed, the referees who officiate in MLS, but also in the women's championship (NWSL), have been on strike since this Sunday.
A movement which must continue in the coming days until no agreement has been reached.
“The meteoric growth of MLS has increased the mental and physical burden on officials, making it difficult to balance our professional and personal lives,” said Peter Manikowski, president of the PSRA, in order to justify the standoff of referees .
Pending an arrangement, the start of the season could be ensured by replacement referees, as was the case in 2014 during a previous referees' strike.
MLS had used these “replacements” during the first two weeks of the championship.