Earl Cochrane steps down as Canada Soccer general secretary, becoming latest exec to exit

General secretary Earl Cochrane has followed former president Nick Bontis in leaving Canada Soccer against the backdrop of the lengthy, bitter labour dispute with the men's and women's national teams.

The governing body announced Thursday that "the federation and Earl Cochrane, general secretary, have agreed to part ways."

Bontis resigned his elected position in late February, acknowledging change was needed to achieve labour peace.

One could argue their departure opens the door to potential peace given Cochrane and Bontis were the face of management in the labour fight.

"On behalf of the board, I want to thank Earl for his enduring contributions and the tremendous passion he has poured into our organization and our sport," Charmaine Crooks, who took over as Canada Soccer interim president after Bontis's departure, said in a statement. "Earl has built a reputation as a thoughtful and progressive leader, and has worked each day to ensure the growth and development of soccer across our country. We wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career."

Canada Soccer announces key leadership change. <a href="https://t.co/n39l5FChgl">pic.twitter.com/n39l5FChgl</a>

Crooks and Cochrane both represented Canada Soccer at a lunchtime reception Wednesday to showcase the Women's World Cup trophy on the Toronto stop of its pre-tournament global tour.

Cochrane took over the job — the top staff position in the organization — last July after incumbent Peter Montopoli stepped down to become chief operating officer for Canada FIFA World Cup 2026.

He immediately found his feet being held to the fire by his own players. The men's and women's national teams issued a joint statement the day his hiring was announced asking for Sport Canada