The opacity and financial uncertainties surrounding Canada Soccer are worrying at the highest levels of the Canadian government.
The situation is very worrying
we indicate, on the side of Justin Trudeau’s team, after the recent revelations of the show Enquête (New window).
Their lack of transparency is absolutely unacceptable
adds the Conservative Party of Canada, the official opposition in Ottawa.
Conflicts of interest, espionage, controversial commercial agreement, toxic climate: by interviewing around forty people linked to Canada Soccer, - has lifted the veil on numerous scandals which follow one another within one of the most important sports federations in the country, which has nearly a million members.
There is a deeply concerning pattern of behavior within Canada Soccer.
Canada Soccer has the responsibility to make organizational changes
affirms the office of the Minister of Sports, Terry Duguid.
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A report from the program Enquête highlighted the lack of transparency from Canada Soccer.
Photo : - / Mathieu Blanchette
Financial audit still in progress
An ethical environment
must be put in place, Ottawa now maintains.
Canadians expect Canada Soccer to demonstrate leadership, foster a culture of integrity, and take the necessary steps to restore public confidence in the sport
says a spokesperson for the Minister of Sports.
The latter confirms, as revealed by -, that a financial audit concerning the use of public funds by the organization is still in progress. Last year, Canada Soccer received nearly $4.8 million in government grants, much of which was earmarked for women’s and youth programs.
According to our information, Ottawa has doubts about the proper use of these public funds.
An internal memo, produced in 2023 for the Minister of Canadian Heritage Pascale St-Onge, also reportsallegations of unfair funding for the women’s national team
but also of a lack lack of financial transparency
and a culture of fear
.
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The commercial agreement signed between Canada Soccer, a private firm, obtained by -, is at the heart of the questions and fears of the witnesses who spoke to -.
Photo : Ivanoh Demers
Public inquiry requested
Significant changes must be made to the culture and structure of Soccer Canada
deplores Richard Martel, MP for Chicoutimi-Le Fjord and conservative sports critic.
Canada Soccer receives millions each year from taxpayers and registration fees. We will continue to follow this matter very closely.
The elements reported are obviously highly worrying
we also emphasize on the side of the Legault government.
Every dollar invested in our sports programs or granted to federations, whether Quebec or Canadian, must be used directly to develop the sport and increase its practice, for the benefit of the participants and the various actors who ensure its organization.
details the Quebec minister responsible for Sport, Isabelle Charest.
A public and independent inquiry into Canada’s practices is essential, the Bloc Québécois and the NDP recently reiterated. A request rejected for the moment by the Trudeau government.
A Commission on the Future of Sport in Canada is already underway, explains a spokesperson. These works are already well advanced and will continue
he specifies.
Canadians expect Canada Soccer to demonstrate leadership, foster a culture of integrity, and take the necessary steps to restore public confidence in the sport.
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