MLS ‘could become the FIRST top-flight professional football league to institute sin bins’… after chiefs approved plans to trial the idea in bid to reduce abuse of referees

To combat the rising tide of referee abuse worldwide, Major League Soccer could become the first top-flight professional football league to institute a ‘sin bin’ for players.

Trials have been approved by the International Football Advisory Board in a move designed to regulate player behavior.

An MLS spokesperson told The Athletic, ‘We intend to review and discuss the initiatives shared yesterday by IFAB for potential consideration in MLS or MLS NEXT Pro [MLS’s development league].’

The league did not set a timeline for when such measures could be implemented, but the latest development from the IFAB means they may soon be able to adopt this rule. 

The IFAB approved new protocols regarding temporary dismissals for infractions such as dissent, surrounding the referee, and tactical fouls that could be implemented in the 2024-25 season.

MLS says they are planning on ‘reviewing and discussing’ the IFAB’s initiatives

Implementation at the MLS NEXT Pro level could provide a great opportunity to trial such rules – with the league already testing similar protocols, such as an off-field treatment rule that sees players removed for three minutes.

In England, sin bins were introduced back in the 2019-20 season at the grassroots level. Protocol there has referees showing a yellow card and then pointing with both arms to the sidelines. Adult amateur leagues require an offending player to sit for ten minutes.

With that said, it’s not exactly clear how this protocol will be put in place – or enforced – by any leagues. 

That MLS spokesperson added: ‘MLS has staunchly advocated for increased transparency especially for key match officiating decisions. We have requested in-stadium VAR announcements for several years to allow for an improved fan experience and transparency for our players, coaches, and clubs.’ 

These potential rules, when implemented, would serve to help referees – who have been subjected to more and more abuse from fans, players, and managers in recent months.

Such a problem is pervasive at all levels – from youth and grassroots to the pro ranks – and it’s leading former referees and refereeing officials to call out the behavior as detrimental to the game.

Major League Soccer has not been without its players making referees feel unsafe.

MLS has seen abuse of referees rise – including during MLS Cup Playoffs (above: Matt Miazga)

Mail Sport has launched a campaign to stop the abuse of referees at all levels of the game

During MLS Cup Playoffs this season, FC Cincinnati center back Matt Miazga was allegedly ‘forcibly removed from the referees locker room’ after he was shown a yellow card in a first-round game against the New York Red Bulls.

‘This is an unacceptable and, as we recall, unprecedented violation of league policy and sporting integrity,’ the MLS referees union PRO Refs said in a statement. 

‘We have urged MLS to take appropriate disciplinary action against the player and to remind all league participants that violations like this will not be tolerated.’

Additionally, controversial decisions in the playoffs have seen players screaming abuse at officials – such as last week’s game between the Columbus Crew and Orlando City.