CF Montreal owner Joey Saputo says MLS club will initiate sale process

CF Montreal owner Joey Saputo says he will initiate the sale process for the Major League Soccer club.

Saputo said Monday he wants the team to remain under Montreal ownership.

The announcement follows the worst season in club history, with Montreal finishing last in the Eastern Conference with six wins, 20 losses and eight draws.

The team also lost the Canadian Championship final to Canadian Premier League club Forge FC.

Frustrated supporters boycotted games late in the season as the club struggled on the field.

Saputo founded the franchise in 1992 as the Montreal Impact and helped bring the team into the MLS in 2012.

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"After more than three decades of commitment, we believe this is the appropriate time to begin the process of identifying new ownership for CF Montreal," Saputo said. "This club has been a central part of our lives. 

"We have dedicated significant time, energy and resources to building it, and we are proud of what CF Montreal has become. I would also like to thank the fans, whose passion and loyalty have been at the heart of this club."

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Saputo said the decision to sell was not made out of urgency.

"We believe this is the right time to welcome a new ownership group with the resources, vision and commitment to build on the strong foundation we have established, and carry forward the club's proud legacy."

Saputo said his family would remain involved in attempting to bring a national soccer training centre to Montreal, which could potentially serve as a new home for the club

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