Two MLS Players Banned for Life Over Betting

Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah found to have placed bets on their own matches

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Major League Soccer has issued lifetime bans to midfielders Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah after an investigation found the two players had been extensively betting on their own matches during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The league said the players were found to have placed bets that included their own teams, with one incident involving a yellow card for Jones that was also bet on by both players.

Why it matters

This is a significant scandal for MLS, as it represents one of the harshest punishments the league has ever handed down for violations of its betting rules. The case raises concerns about the integrity of the league's competitions and the potential for players to compromise the outcomes of matches for personal gain.

The details

According to the league's official announcement, the investigation found that Jones and Yeboah had been placing bets on MLS matches, including ones involving their own teams, over the 2024 and 2025 seasons. One notable incident occurred on October 19, 2024, when Jones received a yellow card in a match between Columbus Crew and New York Red Bulls, which was found to have been bet on by both players. MLS officials also suggested the players may have shared insider information about the likelihood of yellow cards with other bettors, though they found no evidence the betting directly influenced match results.

  • On October 19, 2024, Derrick Jones received a yellow card in a match between Columbus Crew and New York Red Bulls, which was bet on by both Jones and Yaw Yeboah.
  • In January 2026, Yaw Yeboah's contract with Los Angeles FC was terminated.
  • In November 2025, Derrick Jones was released by Columbus Crew.

The players

Derrick Jones

A 29-year-old midfielder who played for Columbus Crew, Philadelphia Union, Nashville SC, Houston Dynamo, and Charlotte FC over his career. He also represented the U.S. national under-20 and under-23 teams.

Yaw Yeboah

A 28-year-old winger who played for Columbus Crew, Lille, Twente, Oviedo, Numancia, Wisła Krakow, and Los Angeles FC. He has also represented the Ghana national team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The league has stated it will continue to investigate this matter and may take further disciplinary action if warranted.

The takeaway

This lifetime ban highlights MLS's zero-tolerance policy on betting, sending a strong message that any attempts to undermine the integrity of the league's competitions will be met with severe consequences. The case underscores the need for continued vigilance and robust monitoring to ensure the fairness and credibility of professional soccer in North America.