The latest Major League Soccer season kicked off on March 6, 2016. Almost two weeks prior to games kicking off, the league debuted new soccer substitution boards and announced a long-term partnership with TAG Heuer to become the official watch and timekeeper. TAG Heuer also announced a similar partnership with US Soccer.
In their search to brand and use the best fourth official soccer substitution board, Major League Soccer contacted ProReferee. They selected the double-sided Favero Substitution Board, which now features a slim, one-inch profile and storage for up to six substitution events. The latest design was released in early 2016 by Italian manufacturer Favero Electronic Design. ProReferee covers the boards with a 1-year battery and 2-year parts and labor warranty.
The soccer substitution boards were delivered to each of the 20 teams in the league, including three in Canada. Teams were instructed to insert the board into a custom-designed TAG Heuer housing, which is what the fourth officials will display for substitutions and the display of extra time.
In addition, MLS referees that are members of the Profesional Referee Organization (PRO) received the a connected smartwatch that retails for $1,500 USD. The announcement with MLS also says:
During MLS games, PRO referees will wear a TAG Heuer Connected Watch, the innovative and newly launched smart watch in the company’s collection. Every MLS referee will also have the TAG Heuer logo branded on their uniform, and the company will provide and be visible on the [substitution] board used on the sideline.
The Favero Substitution Boards were also used in the 2016 Copa America tournament in the United States.
