MLS Hands Lifetime Bans to Derick Jones and Yaw Yeboah in Match-Fixing Scandal

Major League Soccer has issued lifetime bans to former players Derick Jones and Yaw Yeboah following a comprehensive investigation into illegal gambling activities, the league confirmed Monday. The investigation, conducted in partnership with law firm Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, revealed that both players placed numerous wagers on MLS fixtures throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons, including matches in which they were active participants. Neither player currently holds a contract with an MLS club.

The probe uncovered particularly damning evidence of match manipulation, including a coordinated scheme in which both Jones and Yeboah placed bets on Jones receiving a yellow card during a Columbus Crew versus New York Red Bulls fixture. League investigators determined the players colluded to ensure the booking occurred as wagered. "Major League Soccer remains steadfast in its commitment to match integrity," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber in a statement. "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."

Jones and Yeboah were initially placed on administrative leave in October 2025 as the investigation progressed. While the inquiry found no evidence that either player influenced final match results through their gambling activities, the severity of betting on their own performances warranted the maximum sanction. This marks the second significant gambling violation in MLS history. In 2021, Sporting Kansas City's Felipe Hernandez was discovered betting on league matches. His contract was terminated three years later, and he has not secured a long-term professional contract since.

The lifetime bans serve as a stern warning about the league's zero-tolerance approach to gambling infractions and its unwavering commitment to protecting the sport's integrity.