Modern YORK – Major League Soccer levied lifetime bans against former players Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah on Monday, March 9, 2026, for violating the league’s gambling policy. The sanctions stem from an investigation into extensive betting activity, including wagers placed on MLS matches, the league announced.
Both Jones, 29, and Yeboah, 28, were placed on administrative exit in October 2025, pending the outcome of the league’s review. The investigation, conducted by the law firm Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, revealed that the players engaged in gambling throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons. According to MLS, no evidence suggests the betting activities altered the outcome of any games.
“Major League Soccer remains steadfast in its commitment to match integrity,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. “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.”
The investigation uncovered a particularly concerning instance from an October 19, 2024 match, where both Jones and Yeboah bet on Jones to receive a yellow card – a prediction that ultimately came true. The league too concluded that the players likely shared confidential information with other bettors regarding their intent to receive yellow cards, potentially influencing the betting market.
Jones most recently played for the Columbus Crew, appearing in 23 games across the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Yeboah was a teammate of Jones’ with the Crew before moving to Los Angeles FC in 2025, though his contract with LAFC was terminated in January 2026. The Columbus Crew released a statement condemning the actions of both players, emphasizing their commitment to the integrity of the sport. “The Crew fully cooperated with the league since first learning about the inquiry regarding the players in question,” a team spokesperson said.
The bans come amid a growing number of sports gambling-related incidents across professional sports in the United States. The increasing legalization of sports betting in many states has brought increased scrutiny to potential integrity issues. In November 2025, two Major League Baseball players were implicated in a match-fixing scheme. Also in late October 2025, NBA coach Chauncey Billups and player Terry Rozier were reportedly involved in investigations related to illegal gambling activities.
Yeboah began his career with Manchester City and had a brief stint in France’s Ligue 1 with Lille between 2015 and 2016 before playing in the Netherlands, Spain, and Poland. He joined the Columbus Crew in 2022, contributing to their championship-winning season in 2023. Jones has played for several MLS clubs throughout his career, including Philadelphia, Nashville, Houston, Charlotte, and the Columbus Crew.
The MLS investigation was triggered by suspicious betting alerts received through the league’s integrity partners. This highlights the growing importance of monitoring betting patterns to safeguard the fairness of competition. The league’s proactive approach to investigating these alerts demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the trust of fans and stakeholders.
The lifetime bans effectively end the MLS careers of both Jones and Yeboah. While the league stated that the betting did not appear to affect match outcomes, the violation of the gambling policy is considered a serious breach of conduct. The incident serves as a stark reminder to all players and personnel of the strict rules governing sports betting and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
This case also reignites the debate surrounding the availability of betting on specific in-game events, such as yellow cards. Commissioner Garber specifically called for the elimination of yellow card wagering, arguing it creates opportunities for manipulation and undermines the integrity of the game. The league’s advocacy on this issue could lead to changes in regulations across states where sports betting is legal.
The MLS continues to emphasize education and awareness programs for players and staff regarding the risks and regulations surrounding sports betting. These efforts are aimed at preventing future incidents and ensuring a fair and transparent competitive environment. The league’s commitment to protecting match integrity remains a top priority as it navigates the evolving landscape of sports gambling in the United States.
The next MLS regular season match for the Columbus Crew is scheduled for March 16, 2026, against Orlando City SC at Lower.com Field. Fans can find the latest updates and information on the MLS website: https://www.mlssoccer.com/.
Related reading
