Major League Soccer has permanently banned two players following a gambling investigation that uncovered betting activity involving league matches.
Midfielder Derrick Jones and winger Yaw Yeboah received lifetime suspensions after league officials concluded that both players violated MLS gambling policies during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The investigation determined that the pair had placed numerous wagers on soccer matches, including games involving their own teams.
The case drew particular scrutiny over an October 2024 match between the Columbus Crew and the New York Red Bulls. According to league findings, Jones and Yeboah both placed wagers predicting that Jones would receive a yellow card during the game. The booking occurred during the match, raising serious integrity concerns and prompting further investigation.
League officials also concluded that the two players likely shared confidential information related to their actions with outside bettors. While the investigation revealed improper gambling and the exchange of inside information, officials reported no evidence that the overall outcomes of matches were deliberately altered.
The league first placed both players on administrative leave in October 2025 after suspicious betting alerts were flagged by integrity monitoring partners. The subsequent investigation led to the league’s decision to issue permanent bans.
Jones most recently appeared for the Columbus Crew after previously playing for several MLS clubs earlier in his career. Yeboah spent time with Columbus before joining Los Angeles FC in 2025. His contract with LAFC was later terminated, and he has since continued his career abroad.
MLS leadership reiterated that gambling on league matches represents a serious breach of league rules. Officials also renewed calls for tighter regulation of certain sports betting markets, particularly wagers involving player disciplinary actions such as yellow cards.
The league says the disciplinary action reflects its ongoing commitment to protecting competitive integrity and maintaining public trust in the sport.