(Toronto) The head coach of the Canadian men’s soccer team says Soccer Canada needs to find solutions to its financial woes.
And it must be done quickly, since the World Cup will be presented to the country in three years.
John Herdman spoke to reporters Monday at BMO Field, on the eve of Canada’s Gold Cup game against Guadeloupe.
He was asked about the financial troubles of the organization that oversees soccer in the country after the TSN network broadcast an interview with Jason deVos, in which the acting secretary general of Soccer Canada mentioned that the organization may have to assess the possibility of filing for bankruptcy protection.
“The players deserve it. The staff deserve it. We shouldn’t be losers after a World Cup,” he continued.
Herdman added that he believed Canada’s participation in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar would have ensured the team’s financial health, while allowing it to reach the next level.
“I think everyone expected after our participation in the World Cup that life would be rosy,” explained Herdman.
Soccer Canada and its men’s and women’s national teams have been at loggerheads for over a year. The women’s team is due to attend a training camp to be held on the Gold Coast, Australia, starting Wednesday.
The women’s team is still without a contract since their previous contract expired at the end of 2021. The men’s team is trying to conclude its first real contract.
Earlier this year, the women’s team threatened to go on strike at the SheBelieves Cup in the United States, but ultimately backtracked as Soccer Canada threatened to sue them.
For the past few weeks, members of the management of Soccer Canada have been called in turn to testify before the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, where MPs have questioned them about controversial business ties.
