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Major League Soccer issued lifetime bans to two former players after an investigation uncovered betting activity tied to league matches. Officials say wagers included games connected to their own teams during recent seasons.
League leadership said the case raised serious concerns about match integrity and player conduct.
Good to Know
Major League Soccer confirmed that midfielders Yaw Yeboah and Derrick Jones received permanent bans from the league. Officials said the decision followed an investigation into suspicious betting activity during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Law firm Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP handled the investigation after alerts about irregular wagering patterns reached league officials. Both players entered administrative leave while investigators reviewed betting records and communication linked to the case.
Findings showed both players placed what the league described as “extensive” wagers on soccer matches. Betting included contests connected to their own teams.
Jones and Yeboah both played for Columbus Crew during the 2024 season. Yeboah later joined Los Angeles FC during 2025 while Jones stayed with Columbus. Neither player held a contract with an MLS club when the league issued the bans.
Investigators highlighted one specific betting incident involving a match during October 2024 between Columbus Crew and Red Bull New York.
Evidence showed both players placed wagers tied to a yellow card outcome involving Jones. The Crew won the match 3-2, and Jones received the first yellow card during the 35th minute.
Investigators also determined that both players likely informed other individuals about plans involving yellow cards in certain matches. Such activity raises integrity concerns because disciplinary actions can affect betting markets.
Despite those findings, the investigation did not uncover proof that either player attempted to change final match results.
League officials addressed the case publicly after announcing the disciplinary action.
“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.”
Columbus Crew also released a statement after the league decision became public.
“The Columbus Crew are proud of the reputation we’ve established in MLS and global soccer that’s rooted in respect and integrity throughout our organization,” the team wrote. “We fully condemn all actions and notions that aren’t aligned with these critical values for our Club and any individual’s activity contradicting the principles of fair competition that are pivotal to our team, league and sport.
“The Crew – who strictly adhere to all MLS policies on educating and enforcing sports gambling regulations with team personnel – fully cooperated with the league since first learning about the inquiry regarding the players in question.”
The Crew recorded a strong season during 2024. The club finished second in the MLS table and won the Leagues Cup that year. Columbus reached the final of both the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the Campeones Cup before falling short in each competition.
Results changed during the following season. Columbus finished 11th in the standings during 2025 and exited the playoffs during the opening round. The club also left the Champions Cup during the Round of 16 and did not advance beyond the group stage in the Leagues Cup.