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March 2, 2024
According to The Athletic, the referee for Inter Miami’s MLS match against Orlando was abruptly changed just hours before kickoff after photos surfaced showing Guiherme Ceretta, the initially assigned Official, wearing an Inter Miami jersey.
Initially assigned by the Professional Referee Organization (PRO), Ceretta was set to officiate the Florida rivalry. However, Jamie Hererra swiftly replaced him following concerns over a potential conflict of interest. This last-minute change, while ensuring a fair game, could potentially affect the dynamics of the match. PRO issued a statement to The Athletic PRO that “referee Guiherme Ceretta was removed from the game due to a potential conflict.”
This last-minute change comes amid ongoing negotiations between PRO and the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) over a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
These negotiations are crucial for the future of MLS officiating, as they determine the rights and working conditions of the officials. As a result of these negotiations, the officials currently working MLS matches are not PSRA members but “replacement refs” drawn from youth leagues, college levels, USL, and MLS NEXT Pro.
Jamie Herrera promptly stepped in to take over the role of the Official, ensuring that the match would proceed without any potential conflict of interest.PRO acted swiftly and transparently, responding to an X (previously Twitter) post from MLSRefStats. The official assignment list was promptly updated to show Jamie Herrera as the new Official, keeping the audience informed and involved in the process.
The social media account shared pictures of Ceretta wearing an official away Miami strip hours before the derby. In the hours following the release of the images, Herrera formally took
Ceretta’s position. According to talkSPORT, the assignments were changed approximately four hours after they were announced at 14:00 UK time, with the game starting at 21:30.
Herrera was initially acknowledged as the tie’s fourth Official. Still, Ivan Cid Cruz has since assumed this position as the photos have become more public.
Not only Ceretta but other men have been impressed by the Argentine’s impressive performance on the American scene, possibly due to Lionel Messi’s arrival. Messi’s arrival in the MLS has brought a new level of excitement and attention to the league, with many fans eager to see him play. Even though it’s 2024, people still want to see him up close and personal because his team has most of the ten most expensive tickets in Major League Soccer this season.
Messi’s team, currently leading the MLS Eastern Conference standings with four points from two games, is set to play their third league match on Saturday night. The anticipation is high, especially among the boisterous home crowd.
The 36-year-old star and his teammates defeated Salt Lake 2-0 to start the 2024 MLS season, but the Argentine could not register a point. Shortly after, a 1-1 draw ensued, with the World Cup winner equalizing against LA Galaxy in the 92nd minute.
With the rest of the division having only played one match so far—except for Columbus Crew—Inter Miami’s upcoming game against Orlando is becoming increasingly crucial. This match is not just a game, it’s a significant opportunity for both teams to make a statement early in the season. Orlando’s previous encounter ended in a goalless draw against Montreal, leaving them and Inter Miami eager to secure their first win and gain momentum. As the division remains wide open and teams still find their rhythm, this clash could be pivotal in shaping the standings and boosting confidence for the rest of the season.
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi scored a brace in Miami’s 3-1 League Cup victory over Orlando in their matchup with the two teams last season. After defeating Nashville in the championship game due to penalties, Messi’s employers went on to win the competition.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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