Canada Soccer still waiting on Canadian Soccer Business deal but expects improved financial figures

Canada Soccer and the men's national team have agreed on compensation for the players' participation in next year's World Cup.

But there is a catch, which hopefully will be resolved ahead of the 48-team tournament's June 11 start. While there is a deal, it is not yet official.

"The labour agreement framework between [Canada Soccer] and the players includes World Cup compensation for both 2026 and 2027," Canada Soccer said in a statement to The Canadian Press, referencing the 2026 men's and 2027 women's World Cups. "Its ratification is dependent on the CSB [Canadian Soccer Business] agreement being resolved."

Canadian Soccer Business, whose investor group and board includes the Canadian Premier League owners, looks after marketing and broadcast rights for both Canada Soccer and the CPL, which just completed its seventh season.

Kevin Blue, Canada Soccer's chief executive officer and general secretary, announced in September 2024 the association had reached a "framework" for a long-awaited labour agreement with its national teams. But sealing the deal was contingent on a reworked agreement with CSB, he said at the time.

James Johnson, Group CEO of Canadian Soccer Business, says such an agreement is imminent.

"We're in a great spot. We're not there yet but we're not too far off," Johnson told the Footy Prime podcast earlier this month.

"[An agreement] will definitely be in place before the World Cup. I'm hoping it's much earlier than the World Cup," he added.

The players have complained the existing CSB agreement is holding the game back and preventing national teams from getting the preparation they need.

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