Media Resources

MLS Postpones Select New Competition Initiatives

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NEW YORK (Wednesday, February 21, 2024) – In light of the ongoing labor negotiations between the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) and the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PRSA), Major League Soccer announced it will postpone the implementation of the following rules and procedures:

  • Timed Substitutions Rule
  • Off-Field Treatment Rule 
  • In-Stadium VAR Announcements

MLS will implement the new Return to Play Equity protocol and stadium clocks will run until the completion of each half, including any additional time at the end of either half.

Match Official Assignments

Match Official assignments will be shared on Match Day at 9 a.m. ET for games that kickoff prior to 7:30 p.m. ET and at 12 p.m. ET for matches that kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET or later.

Match Official assignments will be posted on www.MLSsoccer.com/Media-Resources  under the Stats & Gameday tab. 

Pool Reporting

The Pool Reporter process remains available to media seeking clarification on officiating decisions. Only questions pertaining to the match and officiating decisions will be answered. No questions regarding the on-going labor negotiations will be addressed.