Major League Soccer has permanently banned Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah for violating the league's gambling policies, according to a statement from the league. The investigation found that both players placed bets on MLS matches, which is strictly prohibited under the collective bargaining agreement.
Jones and Yeboah were members of Columbus Crew when the offences occurred. The league confirmed that no evidence suggested match-fixing or that the integrity of any specific game was compromised. The bans take immediate effect, preventing both players from participating in any MLS-related activities in the future.
Commissioner Don Garber stated that the league maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding gambling on its own competitions to protect the sport. Columbus Crew officials said they fully cooperated with the league's inquiry into the matter. Both players have the right to appeal the decision through the MLS Players Association, per reports from The Athletic. The disciplinary action follows similar recent cases involving sports betting in North American professional leagues.
