Rebuilding trust a top priority for new Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue

Kevin Blue, Canada Soccer's new general secretary and CEO, acknowledged Monday the governing body's need "to rebuild trust" with the soccer community.

"There's been some things that have happened over a period of time that haven't reflected positively on the organization," he told a virtual availability.

"We have a lot of work to do to rebuild trust, frankly," he added. "That's just what it is and that's a reality and I accept that responsibility. And part of what I hope to do is show folks that I'm willing to listen, that I'm willing to connect, that I'm willing to learn, that I'm willing to be straightforward with people."

The 41-year-old former Golf Canada executive, in his first news conference, promised "a direct, steady and professional approach."

But as perhaps one might expect of someone just days into the job, Blue was short on answers.

That included how to resolve the lengthy labour dispute with the national men's and women's team and ease the financial shackles of the existing agreement with Canadian Soccer Business covering corporate partnerships and broadcast rights.

Canada Soccer is believed to receive some $4 million a year currently under the deal as "the beneficiary of a rights fee guarantee." That amount has been boosted by some $500,000 each year leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

The players have complained the agreement is holding the game back and preventing national teams from getting the preparation they need. Blue said he has already had an introductory meeting with CSB officials.

Today is my first official day as the new CEO &amp; General Secretary at <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaSoccerEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanadaSoccerEN</a> <a