Yaw Yeboah issued with MLS lifetime ban for betting scandals

Major League Soccer (MLS) has issued lifetime bans to Ghana winger Yaw Yeboah, and Derick Jones, who was born in Ghana, for betting on games while they were playing.

The duo bet on numerous games, including ones they were playing in, during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, and after an extensive investigation, have been prevented from playing in the league. However, neither of the player is currently signed with an MLS club.

Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah have just been issued lifetime suspensions from Major League Soccer for betting on MLS matches.

“After reviewing the results of the investigation, MLS concluded that the players engaged in extensive gambling on soccer, including on their own teams.” pic.twitter.com/sfzCwS7hOY

— Ben Wright (@benwright) March 9, 2026

The investigation found that the pair had “engaged in extensive gambling” together during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, including in one instance both players betting Jones would receive a yellow card in an October 2024 match, and that they also likely exchanged confidential information with other bettors about how the pair planned to receive yellow cards during certain games.

In a strongly worded statement, MLS Commissioner Don Garber made clear the league’s position on the matter. “Major League Soccer remains steadfast in its commitment to match integrity,” Garber said.

MLS will continue to enforce its policies

“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.”

Columbus Crew released a statement condemning the behaviour in the strongest terms possible.

Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah have been handed lifetime suspensions from MLS for violating the league’s Gambling Policy.

The investigation found that Jones and Yeboah bet “extensively” on soccer, including on their own teams, during 2024 and 2025.

Investigation found both… pic.twitter.com/YKiVplwXfm

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) March 9, 2026

The statement read in part: “The Columbus Crew are proud of the reputation we’ve established in MLS and global soccer that’s rooted in respect and integrity throughout our organisation.

“We fully condemn all actions and notions that aren’t aligned with these critical values for our Club and any individual’s activity contradicting the principles of fair competition that are pivotal to our team, league and sport.”

The statement added: “The Crew, who strictly adhere to all MLS policies on educating and enforcing sports gambling regulations with team personnel, fully cooperated with the league since first learning about the inquiry regarding the players in question.”

Yeboah plays for Chinese Super League club Qingdao Hainiu

Yeboah made appearances for the Ghana U-20 team. He was awarded “most valuable player” in the 2015 African U-20 Championship scoring two goals. He then played in the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, making four appearances and scoring two goals, both from penalties.

He received his first call up on 26 August 2016, for a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against Rwanda and a friendly against Russia. He made the bench for the match against Russia, but failed to make an appearance.

Yeboah made his senior debut with the Ghana national team in a friendly 1-0 loss to Namibia on 9 June 2019.

He currently turns out for Chinese Super League club Qingdao Hainiu, whom he signed for in January 2026.

MLS reinforces commitment to fair play

Major League Soccer has repeatedly emphasized that gambling violations are treated as one of the most serious offences in professional football. The league has strengthened monitoring systems and educational programs to ensure that players and club officials clearly understand the rules regarding betting activities.

Officials believe strict enforcement of these policies is necessary to protect the credibility of the competition and maintain trust among supporters, sponsors and stakeholders across the sport.

Impact of the Yaw Yeboah ban on his career

The lifetime suspension handed to Yaw Yeboah by Major League Soccer marks a major setback for the Ghanaian winger’s professional career. Although Yaw Yeboah is currently playing outside the league, the decision sends a strong message about the consequences of violating MLS gambling rules.

Football analysts believe the case involving Yaw Yeboah will serve as a warning to players across different leagues about the dangers of betting on matches. The controversy surrounding Yaw Yeboah has also sparked discussions about integrity and the need for stronger education programs for players regarding gambling policies.