Latest Sports officiating News

MLS and referees reach 7-year labor deal, ending 37-day lockout that led to replacement officials

Mar. 26, 2024 22:19 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Soccer and its referees announced a seven-year labor contract Tuesday, ending a 37-day lockout that led to the use of replacement officials. Match officials will average a 28.36% increase this year, followed by hikes of 3% in 2025, 6% in 2026, 3% each...

China hands down terms of life to 8 years for sports officials convicted of taking bribes

Mar. 26, 2024 03:21 AM EDT

BEIJING (AP) — The former president of the Chinese Football Association has been sentenced to life in prison amid a wide-ranging crackdown on sports corruption. Chinese courts on Tuesday handed down sentences of between eight years and life in prison to officials in the Communist...

CONCACAF Nations League final twice stopped because of homophobic chants in pro-Mexican crowd

Mar. 25, 2024 01:18 AM EDT

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The U.S.-Mexico CONCACAF Nations League final match was suspended in the late stages for the second straight year because of homophobic chants by pro-Mexican fans. Canadian referee Drew Fischer stopped play in the 88th minute of the United States' 2-0...

Russian officials raise the death toll to 115 in a concert hall attack claimed by the Islamic State group

Mar. 23, 2024 06:00 AM EDT
MOSCOW (AP) — Russian officials raise the death toll to 115 in a concert hall attack claimed by the Islamic State group.

After whistle hastens Samford's exit from March Madness, the referee could be next

Mar. 22, 2024 19:53 PM EDT

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The referee who blew the critical whistle that worked against Samford at the end of its loss to Kansas in the NCAA Tournament might be following the Bulldogs straight out of town. It is routine for evaluators to analyze games and decide which officials move on...

Over 300 French sports coaches, teachers and officials accused of sexual abuse or cover-ups in 2023

Mar. 21, 2024 11:04 AM EDT

PARIS (AP) — More than 300 French coaches, teachers and sports officials have been accused of sexual abuse or of covering up such wrongdoing in 2023, the country's sports minister said Thursday. France launched a nationwide effort to uncover and combat sexual violence in sports...

US water polo player Max Irving is inspired by his father, a longtime college basketball referee

Mar. 19, 2024 07:14 AM EDT

WALNUT, Calif. (AP) — Throughout his water polo career — from growing up in Long Beach to playing for UCLA and the U.S. national team — Max Irving has drawn inspiration from his father, Michael. Each of them knows what it's like to work in front of a hostile crowd. ...

Trabzonspor fans invade pitch, attack Fenerbahce players in Turkey. Police have detained 12 people

Mar. 18, 2024 04:44 AM EDT

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish police have detained 12 people after fans of top tier soccer club Trabzonspor invaded the pitch following a home loss against Fenerbahce, touching off violent scuffles between the fans and visiting players. The Trabzonspor fans charged onto the pitch...

Officials say a Russian missile attack on Odesa in southern Ukraine has killed at least 14 people

Mar. 15, 2024 08:23 AM EDT
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Officials say a Russian missile attack on Odesa in southern Ukraine has killed at least 14 people.

Flyers coach Tortorella suspended 2 games for refusing to leave bench after game misconduct.

Mar. 10, 2024 20:01 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella was suspended for two games and fined $50,000 by the NHL on Sunday for unprofessional conduct directed at the officials by refusing to leave the bench area after a game misconduct. Tortorella reluctantly left the bench...