Players want talks with Canada Soccer before next permanent president is chosen

Canada's men's and women's soccer teams have called on Canada Soccer to consult with the players "on the best path forward" before the next permanent president is chosen.

Former Olympian Charmaine Crooks has taken over as acting president in the wake of Nick Bontis' resignation. An election will be held in May to determine who finishes out Bontis's term, which runs through the summer of 2024.

"This change in board leadership at Canada Soccer is one necessary step to ensure the future success of our national team and youth programs, and the survival and growth of soccer in Canada for generations to come," the two national teams said in a joint statement Thursday.

The players called on Canada Soccer "to consult immediately and meaningfully with the national teams on the best path forward, before Mr. Bontis's permanent successor is named."

"A real and meaningful change to Canada Soccer's strategy is needed — one that puts the sport and its players first," the statement added. "Canada Soccer's next president must share the national teams' commitment to fully capitalizing on this moment in Canadian soccer, and ensuring our national teams and youth programs have the resources and support they need to compete on the world stage for years to come."

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The players also repeated their call for Canada Soccer to open its books "particularly in light of recent budget cuts to the very programs that have generated unprecedented sponsor interest in supporting the national teams. It needs to address the unauthorized use still being made of national team player images.

Details on the controversial deal with Canadian Soccer Business, which handles broadcast rights and sponsorship