MASL: Disciplinary Action Following Ownership’s Public Criticism of Officials

Staff Writer
2 days ago
2 min read

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) has issued a formal statement and taken disciplinary action against club ownership following recent social media activity that publicly targeted league officiating.

While the league’s official release did not name the individual, the move comes as a direct response to a social media post from Kansas City Comets owner Brian Budzinski, who reportedly used his platform to call for the resignation of a long-time league referee. The league has confirmed that an undisclosed fine has been levied against Budzinski for conduct detrimental to the league.

"The Major Arena Soccer League holds its match officials to the highest professional standards, and we are equally committed to protecting them from public and personal attacks," the MASL stated in its official release. "Publicly singling out and criticizing an official crosses a clear line."

A Balance of Accountability and Respect

The league emphasized that while they expect "excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement" from the officiating department, there are established internal channels for reviewing performances and addressing grievances. By taking the matter to social media, the league argued that the ownership undermined the integrity of the game.

The incident highlights the high-pressure environment of professional indoor soccer, where split-second decisions often determine the outcome of tightly contested matches. The league’s statement sought to reassure both officials and fans of their commitment to a professional environment.

"Our referees perform a difficult job in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, and they deserve to be treated with respect by all members of our league—players, coaches, and ownership alike."

Upholding Standards

The MASL’s decision to penalize a high-profile owner like Budzinski signals a zero-tolerance policy regarding the public disparagement of officials. This disciplinary action serves as a reminder to all league stakeholders that the "merit-based" nature of the league applies not just to the players on the turf, but to the conduct of those in the front office.

Moving forward, the MASL reiterated its dedication to ensuring that officiating meets the highest standards of fairness. The league maintains that internal reviews of game footage and official conduct remain the only appropriate venue for seeking changes in officiating personnel or standards.

The Kansas City Comets, currently in fourth place in the MASL standings, are preparing for their final stretch of the regular season and the upcoming Ron Newman Cup Playoffs. Neither Budzinski nor the Comets organization has issued a formal rebuttal to the fine at this time.