TORONTO:
The head of Canada’s soccer governing body resigned Monday, saying a change was needed at the top of the organization amid a dispute over gender equality and the women’s team. Canada.
Canadian Soccer President Nick Bontis said in a statement that although there is “a real possibility” of agreeing to a collective agreement for Canada’s men’s and women’s teams, it is time to go.
“While I have been one of the biggest supporters of a balanced training environment for our Women’s team, I will not be leading this organization if it happens,” Bontis wrote in a statement. .
“I admit that this time calls for a change.
“Today, I tender my resignation, effective immediately, to Canada Soccer’s Board of Directors.”
Bontis’ decision to step down comes two weeks after Canada’s soccer team was hit hard by threats from the country’s women’s team to pull out of the SheBelieves Cup. in America.
The Canadian women, the reigning Olympic champions, have vowed to strike over pay, funding and contract issues.
The women eventually called off the threat of strike after being informed that participating in the friendly tournament would be illegal and lead to legal action.
Women in Canada Soccer slammed after they say they won’t get paid in 2022.
Canadian women also criticized the budget cuts, which they argued hurt the team’s preparations for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, compared to the resources available to the Canadian team ahead of the 2022 World Cup. .
“All we’re asking is to give our men’s team the same opportunity to prepare for our World Cup,” Canada’s Janine Beckie said in a statement. the beginning of this month.
The Canadian men’s team has also supported the women, saying in a statement on February 10 that they “wholeheartedly support” the team.
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