Just about everyone associated with the Vancouver Whitecaps was steaming mad at the way Tim Ford refereed their match on Saturday.
It was the first time the controversial ref had been assigned to a Whitecaps match since an infamous game against LAFC during the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs. Ford’s decisions were so infuriating that then-Whitecaps coach Vanni Sartini joked that if Ford were found floating facedown in False Creek, police would consider the fiery Italian manager to be the No. 1 suspect.
New Whitecaps coach Jesper Sørensen was a little more reserved after Ford’s decisions played a big role in Vancouver’s 2-1 loss in San Jose.
“We prepare a lot, and we train a lot, and we hope it’s a game that’s decided between the players on the pitch. I told [the players] that despite all of the things that went against us, with the big calls, I think that they kept their composure well,” Sørensen said post-game. “It could have been a game where you get even more red cards because players get frustrated.”
A pair of questionable yellow cards were shown to Whitecaps full-back Edier Ocampo inside the first 27 minutes, resulting in Vancouver having to play the final 63 minutes down a man.
Ocampo’s automatic suspension was rescinded on Tuesday, but that didn’t do much to help matters in San Jose.
Early in the second half, Ford awarded a dubious penalty to San Jose. Despite being summoned by VAR to take a closer look, Ford stayed with the penalty call decision.
“Everybody who watched the game saw a man slip, and one man saw a penalty,” Sørensen added.
It didn’t take long for fans to voice their displeasure with Ford’s egregious decisions, but internet sleuths took it one step further.
Photos surfaced online showing the Ford family in LAFC jerseys on multiple occasions, including Game 1 of the 2023 playoff series between Vancouver and LAFC. Multiple social media channels were inundated with angry Whitecaps supporters.
Tim Ford should never allowed to referee a Whitecaps game ever again ❌ #VWFC pic.twitter.com/H0mjgUwKD5
— Couch Ultras 🛋 (@CouchUltras) August 10, 2025
Even injured Whitecaps captain Ryan Gauld chimed in.
“This guy can’t be serious,” the usually mild-mannered Scotsman said, tagging MLS on Instagram on Saturday night.
Ryan Gauld weighing in on the reffing#VWFC pic.twitter.com/GPmRp7kAGo
— Lachlan Irvine (@LachInTheCrease) August 10, 2025
Daily Hive was able to reach the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) for clarity on photographs that came to light on social media and how this might be perceived as a potential conflict of interest.
PRO says it has looked at photographs dating back from 2018 to 2023 and concluded that there are no photos of Tim Ford in MLS kits or colours of teams where he has attended matches.
“We are re-evaluating our processes about what constitutes a connection with a club,” PRO told Daily Hive on Tuesday.
PRO assignments for MLS matches are made three weeks in advance, but it is still unknown if Ford will be assigned to an MLS match this week. Assignments are made public on Wednesday.
“Major League Soccer works collaboratively with the Professional Referee Organization to ensure the integrity of its competition and that all elements of officiating are held to the highest of standards,” MLS said in a statement provided to Daily Hive.
“I will get fined for my thoughts”
Whitecaps players and staff were not happy with Ford’s performance in San Jose, and that same feeling was present during the team’s training session in Vancouver on Monday. Brian White exclusively spoke to Daily Hive and carefully chose his words.
“There were some calls that a majority of people wouldn’t agree with,” White said. “Whether they were right or wrong is not for me to decide because I will get fined for my thoughts.
“It is what it is. Those calls changed the game and continually made it more difficult for us. After a majority of the calls were made, it got harder and harder. That’s the game; we did our best to battle back. We weren’t able to hold on to the tie. It was a difficult game for sure.”
In a match where White scored his 100th professional goal, the focus was instead on an inadequate referee. The 29-year-old was surprised that Ford was assigned to the match.
“There is that history there,” White said. “There were some unsavoury things there that got made public. Maybe for all parties, it was best to not come in contact again.
“Let me make it clear that I don’t think anything was done egregiously or on purpose. There were some things that I personally disagree with, calls that were made, that’s what happens with referees, players, it happens every game, every season. I don’t think there was anything personal about it. It is how it went down.”
The Whitecaps will return to MLS play on Sunday, Aug. 17, when Thomas Müller is expected to make his MLS debut against Houston. Sources are confident that Ocampo’s two yellow cards will be successfully appealed, and he will be available for selection.
Jayden Nelson is hopeful that Vancouver will be assigned a capable referee.
“You’re not guaranteed a good ref every game,” Nelson said. “You just have to move on, and hopefully we get a better ref next game.”
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