Major League Soccer (MLS) has issued lifetime bans to former players Yaw Yeboah and Derrick Jones for violating the MLS Gambling Policy. Neither player is under contract with an MLS club.
The bans follow an investigation launched after integrity partners alerted the league to suspicious betting activity. MLS hired Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP to conduct a full review; both players were placed on administrative leave during the inquiry.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber stressed the league’s stance: “Major League Soccer remains steadfast in its commitment to match integrity. 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.”
MLS concluded that Yeboah and Jones engaged in extensive gambling during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, including wagering on their own teams. Before the October 19, 2024, match against the New York Red Bulls, both players reportedly bet on Jones receiving a yellow card; Jones was cautioned during that game.
The investigation found likely evidence that the players shared confidential information with other bettors about their intention to receive yellow cards. Investigators did not find evidence that these bets affected match outcomes.
Columbus Crew condemned the conduct, saying: “The Columbus Crew are proud of the reputation we’ve established in MLS and global soccer, rooted in respect and integrity throughout our organisation. We fully condemn all actions that contradict the principles of fair competition that are pivotal to our team, league, and sport. The Crew fully cooperated with the league’s investigation.”
Born March 28, 1997, in Accra, Ghana, Yaw Yeboah joined MLS with Columbus Crew in February 2022. Known for his speed and dribbling, he became a fan favorite and played a prominent role in Columbus success: he appeared in 31 matches in 2023 with three goals and five assists and scored the decisive goal in the MLS Cup final against LAFC on December 12, 2023. He was also part of Columbus Leagues Cup victory in 2024.
In January 2025 Yeboah signed a two‑year deal with Los Angeles FC. He and Derrick Jones were placed on administrative leave on October 25, 2025, while the league investigated. Yeboah’s contract with LAFC was mutually terminated on January 17, 2026. After the MLS ban, Yeboah continued his career overseas, signing with Chinese Super League club Qingdao Hainiu on February 28, 2026. He has already scored once in the 2026 season.
MLS reaffirmed its commitment to protecting match integrity and enforcing gambling rules. The league has disciplined players for gambling violations before including Felipe Hernandez of Sporting Kansas City in 2021 and 2024 and continues to monitor betting activity closely to safeguard its competitions.
Source: flashscore.co.za
