Major League Soccer announced on March 9, 2026, that it has issued lifetime suspensions to Ghanaian winger Yaw Yeboah and midfielder Derrick Jones for violating the MLS Gambling Policy. Neither player is currently under contract with an MLS club.
The bans follow a thorough investigation triggered by suspicious betting alerts received through the league's integrity partners.
Background and Investigation Timeline
The case dates back to October 2025, when MLS placed both players on administrative leave pending review of potential rule violations. Yeboah was with Los Angeles FC (LAFC) at the time, while Jones was with the Columbus Crew.
MLS retained the law firm Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP to conduct the probe. The investigation concluded that Jones and Yeboah engaged in extensive gambling on soccer matches, including bets on their own teams, throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
One specific instance involved both players betting on Jones to receive a yellow card during the Columbus Crew's match against the New York Red Bulls on October 19, 2024—a card he did receive.
Player Profiles and MLS Careers
Yaw Yeboah, a 28-year-old Ghanaian international, played in MLS for the Columbus Crew before joining LAFC in 2025. He appeared in a total of 91 league games across his MLS tenure.
Derrick Jones, 29, also had stints with the Columbus Crew and previously Nashville SC. He is currently without a club.
Both players' betting activities occurred while they were active MLS participants, prompting the league's strongest disciplinary measure.
Impact on MLS and the Players
The lifetime bans bar Jones and Yeboah from any future involvement with MLS clubs, including playing, coaching, or other roles. The decision reinforces MLS's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the competition amid growing concerns over sports gambling.
Yeboah, who mutually parted ways with LAFC in January 2026 and has since joined Chinese side Qingdao Hainiu, faces significant career restrictions in North America. Jones remains clubless following the ruling.
The Columbus Crew issued a statement condemning the actions and noting full cooperation with the league's inquiry.
What’s Next for MLS Gambling Enforcement
MLS continues to monitor betting integrity closely, especially with expanded legal sports wagering in the United States. The league's policy prohibits players from betting on any soccer matches, with violations carrying severe penalties.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in sports as gambling becomes more accessible. No further details on additional sanctions or appeals have been released.
The lifetime suspensions serve as a clear reminder of the consequences for breaching gambling rules and the league's zero-tolerance stance on integrity threats.