MLS bans Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah for life over betting offences
Major League Soccer has handed lifetime bans to former Columbus Crew team-mates Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah following an investigation into extensive betting offences.
The league confirmed the severe sanctions after discovering the duo wagered on football matches, including fixtures involving their own clubs, across the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Investigators highlighted a specific incident from October 2024 where both men placed bets on one of them receiving a yellow card in a fixture against the New York Red Bulls.
The 29-year-old midfielder was subsequently booked in that precise match.
Sharing of confidential information
MLS also determined that the players likely shared confidential information with other bettors about their intent to draw yellow cards.
A statement released by the American top flight clarified that the overall results of the games remained uncompromised despite the integrity breaches.
Both individuals had already departed the North American competition before these lifetime suspensions were publicly announced.
Recent league departures
The Ghanaian winger recently transferred to Chinese Super League outfit Qingdao Hainiu following the termination of his Los Angeles FC contract in January.
Meanwhile, the former USA youth international was released by the Crew late last year.
The pair had previously played together in Ohio during the 2024 campaign.
Contrasting career paths
The 28-year-old attacker previously spent four years developing at Manchester City without making a senior appearance for the reigning Premier League champions.
His professional journey included loan stints across Europe with Lille and Twente before eventually settling into the American soccer system.
Conversely, the Ghana-born central midfielder built his entire playing career within the United States, representing franchises such as the Philadelphia Union, Nashville SC and Charlotte FC.
