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Canada Soccer president Dr. Nick Bontis resigns amid the women’s national team’s fight for equal pay, saying there is “real potential to sign a historic collective agreement” but “the timing calls for change.” “.
Dr. Nick Bontis, President of Canada Soccer, announced today that he is resigning from his position effective immediately.
Bontis has been in charge of the sport’s governing body in Canada since his election in November 2020, when he was chosen to succeed Steven Reed.
His resignation comes at a time when Canada’s men’s and women’s national teams are ready to sign a collective bargaining agreement that could establish an equitable sharing of resources between the parties.
It’s something the women’s team is fighting for, having previously gone on strike during the SheBelieves Cup. The team backed out of that strike after individual players were threatened with lawsuits.
Players on the women’s team have called for not only equal pay, but also greater equity in games, personnel, and other resources.
Canada Soccer president Dr Nick Bontis resigns ‘effective immediately’
Bontis says she supports the women’s team fight but that ‘this moment requires a change’
Bontis said that to achieve a better deal, “this moment requires a change” in the Canadian soccer system.
“Today, I have submitted my resignation, effective immediately, to the Board of Directors of Canada Soccer,” Bontis’s statement began on Monday.
‘I want to thank all the members, our players, our sponsors and all Canadian soccer fans who continue to support the growth of soccer in our country.
‘Canada Soccer and our two National Team Programs have the real potential to sign a historic collective agreement.
‘Once signed, it will be a historic agreement that will set our nation apart from virtually every other FIFA member association. While I have been one of the biggest advocates of equalizing the competitive performance environment for our Women’s National Team, I will sadly not be leading this organization when it happens. I recognize that this moment requires a change.
‘Volunteering for this organization and witnessing the tremendous accomplishments we have been able to accomplish together has been one of the proudest moments of my life.
‘Olympic success of our Women’s Team. Genuine diversity on our Board of Directors, including our first Vice President. Our first goal at the Men’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022. Winning the bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
‘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 pursuit of greatness.
Bontis (L) has been in charge of Canada Soccer since November 2020 when he was elected
The Canada soccer team had been playing the SheBelieves Cup under protests for two weeks.
The players are trying to get an equitable amount of salary, resources, personnel, youth camps, and games.
International support for the women’s side has been on the rise and has been replicated by Canada’s opponents in the cup as well as their global rivals.
Even former players, like Olympic medalist and Apple TV host Kaylyn Kyle, have shared their experiences calling for fair treatment for players.
No progress has been revealed on a deal for both national teams and the clock is ticking for Canada Soccer.
The players previously pledged to boycott a series of FIFA-sanctioned international matches in April if their demands are not met.