MLS Hands Lifetime Bans to Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah for Betting on Matches

MLS has issued lifetime bans to Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah after an investigation found that both players bet on football matches while they were active in the league.

Jones, 29, most recently turned out for the Columbus Crew before his contract option was declined at the end of 2025, and has been without a team since. Yeboah, 28, had signed with Los Angeles FC in early 2025 but mutually parted ways with the club in January. He has since moved on to play for Chinese Super League side Qingdao Hainiu, although he is now barred from MLS competition

The league made the announcement on Monday, explaining that the two players placed bets on several games during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Some of those bets were reportedly on matches they were playing in, which goes against the league’s strict rules on gambling.

After looking into the matter, MLS decided to impose lifetime bans on both players, meaning they are no longer allowed to take part in the league in any capacity. At the time the decision was announced, neither Jones nor Yeboah was signed to an MLS club.

League officials say the action sends a clear message that betting on matches, especially those involving players themselves, is a serious violation and will not be tolerated in order to protect the fairness of the game.