Canada Soccer president Nick Bontis announced his resignation Monday.
The resignation follows a unprecedented difficult and tumultuous eight months for the Canada’s governing body for soccer, which saw the men’s national team force a cancelation of a friendly match versus Panama in June 2022 and a short-lived strike by the women’s national team in February this year over labour disputes.
“Canada Soccer and both of our national team programs have the real potential to sign a historic collective bargaining agreement,” said Bontis said in a statement Monday. “Once signed, it will be a landmark deal that will set our nation apart from virtually every other FIFA member association.
“While I have been one of the biggest proponents of equalizing the competitive performance environment for our women’s national team, I will unfortunately not be leading this organization when it happens. I acknowledge that this moment requires change.”
Canada Soccer did not share any information about the process of replacing Bontis.
Full Statement:
Today, I have submitted my resignation, effective immediately, to Canada Soccer’s Board of Directors.
I want to thank the entire membership, our players, our sponsors and every Canadian soccer fan who continues to support the growth of soccer in our country.
Canada Soccer and both of our National Team Programs have the real potential to sign a historic collective bargaining agreement. Once signed, it will be a landmark deal that will set our nation apart from virtually every other FIFA Member Association. While I have been one of the biggest proponents of equalizing the competitive performance environment for our Women’s National Team, I will unfortunately not be leading this organization when it happens. I acknowledge that this moment requires change.
Serving as a volunteer for this organization, and witnessing the tremendous achievements we’ve been able to accomplish together, has been some of the proudest moments of my life. Olympic success for our Women’s National Team. Genuine diversity on our Board of Directors, including our first ever female vice president. Our first Men’s FIFA World Cup goal at Qatar 2022. Winning the bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup at home.
I know in my heart that there is more to come.
I am and always will be a passionate fan of Canadian soccer and our players. We are in the midst of some of the most exciting times in our nation’s soccer history. I look forward to continuing to support our country, its players and our quest for greatness.
– Dr. Nick Bontis
