Two MLS players banned for gambling on games

Regulation

MLS issued lifetime suspensions to Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah for violating the league’s gambling policy after reviewing the results of an investigation.

MLS said in a release that upon receiving suspicious betting alerts through partners, the league retained a law firm to conduct an investigation and in October of 2025 placed the two players on administrative league pending review of any violations.

“After reviewing the results of the investigation, MLS concluded that the players engaged in extensive gambling on soccer, including on their own teams, during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. In one instance, both players bet on Jones to draw a yellow card during an October 19, 2024 match, which he received,” the league said.

The league revealed that though both Jones and Yeboah likely shared conditional information with each other, there was no evidence that suggested the players’ betting activity affected the outcome of a match.

“Major League Soccer remains steadfast in its commitment to match integrity,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “The League will continue to enforce its policies, enhance education efforts, and advocate for the elimination of yellow card wagering in all states to protect the integrity of our competition for clubs, players, and fans.”

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