Yaw Yeboah and Derrick Jones, former teammates at Columbus Crew, have been handed lifetime bans by Major League Soccer (MLS) for violating the league’s gambling policies.
In a statement released Monday, MLS confirmed that both players engaged in extensive betting on soccer, including wagers involving their own team during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
The two players, who are currently not under contract with any club, had been placed on administrative leave in October while the league investigated suspicious betting activity.
Betting on Own Team Triggered Investigation
According to MLS, the investigation found that both players placed bets on soccer matches, including wagers involving Columbus Crew games.
In one instance, the players allegedly bet that Jones would receive a yellow card during a match played on October 19, 2024. Jones subsequently received the yellow card during the game.
The league also stated that investigators believe the players shared confidential information with other bettors, including their intent to draw a booking during the match.
League Says Match Outcomes Were Not Affected
Despite the serious rule violations, MLS clarified that there was no evidence suggesting that match results were manipulated.
MLS commissioner Don Garber said the league remains committed to protecting the integrity of the sport.
“MLS remains steadfast in its commitment to match integrity,” the league said in its statement.
The case marks another betting-related controversy in North American sports, following similar investigations involving leagues such as the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball.
Yeboah’s Career Path
Yeboah, 28, is a Ghana international who earned four caps for the national team, with his last appearance coming in 2021.
He began his professional career with Manchester City, although he did not make a senior appearance for the club. During his early career, he spent time on loan at clubs in France, Spain, and Belgium before moving to MLS in 2022.
Earlier this year, he signed with Chinese Super League club Qingdao Hainiu.
Jones’ MLS Journey
Jones, 29, was born in Ghana but represented the United States U-23 National Team at the international youth level.
Before joining Columbus Crew, he played for several MLS clubs, including:
- Philadelphia Union
- Nashville SC
- Houston Dynamo
- Charlotte FC
The lifetime bans effectively end both players’ careers in MLS, reinforcing the league’s strict stance against gambling violations.