After a thorough investigation, MLS handed down lifetime bans to Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah for breaking the league’s gambling rules.

According to a league statement, suspicious betting alerts from partners prompted MLS to bring in a law firm for a full investigation. By October 2025, both players were on administrative leave, sidelined as the league examined possible violations.

“After reviewing the results of the investigation, MLS concluded that the players engaged in extensive gambling on soccer, including on their own teams, during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. In one instance, both players bet on Jones to draw a yellow card during an October 19, 2024, match, which he received,” the league said.

The league revealed that although Jones and Yeboah probably exchanged confidential details, investigators found no proof that their wagers affected the results on the field.

“Major League Soccer remains steadfast in its commitment to match integrity,” said MLS commissioner Don Garber. “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.”

Yeboah launched his MLS journey with the Columbus Crew in 2022 before joining LAFC in 2025. Jones, meanwhile, wore jerseys from five different MLS clubs, including the Philadelphia Union, Nashville SC, Houston Dynamo FC, Charlotte FC, and the Crew.

Both players played on the Crew in the 2024 season, but neither Yeboah nor Jones currently has a contract with any MLS team.