Canada Soccer announced Tuesday night that it is agreeing to a compliance review and assessment of its governance.
The national association is thus complying with the request of Federal Sports Minister Pascale St-Onge.
Canada Soccer has been at the center of a storm in recent months that eventually led to the resignation of President Nick Bontis last February. Former Olympian Charmaine Crooks took over.
General secretary Earl Cochrane has also resigned and former international Jason deVos is taking over.
Canada Soccer was particularly criticized by the women’s national team players, who demanded equal pay with the men.
The organization has also questioned various business decisions that result in it not being in control of all of its revenues.
Requirements
Minister St-Onge sent a list of three requirements for Canada Soccer’s management.
A compliance audit will be carried out for the period from March 1, 2017 to March 31, 2023. The aim is to confirm that the funds have been properly distributed.
The minister is also calling for an independent third party to carry out a comprehensive review of the association’s governance. There will be a comprehensive review of Canada Soccer’s governance structures, systems and procedures. We then analyze financial decision-making and transparency.
Eventually, Sport Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee and Own the Podium will work together to establish an External Advisory Committee to assist Canada Soccer in responding to the recommendations that will result from the two processes being conducted concurrently.