MLS calls to ban betting on yellow and red cards after player scandal
Major League Soccer (MLS) has asked bookmakers to remove betting markets on yellow and red cards following lifetime bans issued to players Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah. League officials believe such wagers create opportunities for manipulation and threaten the integrity of football matches.
An investigation found that the players did not attempt to influence match outcomes but intentionally provoked bookings and expulsions. According to the league, they shared information about these actions with other bettors, allowing them to profit from disciplinary betting markets.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber said the league intends to push for a complete ban on these types of bets across all US states. He noted that removing such markets would strengthen efforts to combat corruption in sports.
The move could significantly reshape the sports betting industry and set new standards for protecting professional football from manipulation.
