MLS may need replacement officials after referees vote to strike

The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PRSA), the union that represents professional referees in North America and Canada, has voted to authorize a strike, the union said in a statement on Monday. The vote means it’s probable that the MLS season, which kicks off on 21 February with a match between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Real Salt Lake, will begin with replacement officials. “We knew the frustration levels were high, because these officials have not benefited from the growth of our sport and PSRA was forced to file an unfair labor practice charge to address alleged direct dealing committed by certain PRO [Professional Referee Organization] managers,” Peter Manikowski, president and lead negotiator of the PSRA, said.