Canada Soccer general secretary steps down before 1st day, citing personal matter

Alyson Walker, the newly appointed general secretary of Canada Soccer, is leaving the job before starting due to an "unforeseen personal matter."

Walker, whose appointment was announced Dec. 22, had been slated to start Monday, becoming the first woman to hold down the top staff position at the governing body of Canadian soccer.

"After careful consideration and conversation with my family, I have decided for personal reasons, to take some time away and will not step into the role of general secretary at Canada Soccer," Walker said in a Canada Soccer statement. "I wish Canada Soccer the very best and will be cheering on from afar."

The governing body said Walker informed it Saturday "she will not be able to fulfil the duties of the general secretary."

"Our thoughts are with Alyson as she deals with an unforeseen personal matter that sadly precludes her from taking on the role of general secretary," Canada Soccer president Charmaine Crooks said in an statement. "While we were all looking forward to having her lead Canada Soccer, we fully understand, and deeply respect her request for privacy. We wish her all the very best."

Korn Ferry, the consulting firm that helped find Walker, has resumed the search for a new candidate.

Canada Soccer says Kelly Brown, a member of the board of directors and chair of the HR committee, will head up a transition leadership team that includes COO Mathieu Chamberland, CFO Sean Heffernanand Paulo Senra, chief communications and content officer.

Walker was chosen after a four-month search conducted by Korn Ferry that saw more than 200 candidates identified, according to Canada Soccer. Her resume includes stints with Bell Media, the Canadian Olympic Committee and Maple Leaf Sports and