Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue confirmed on Monday that the federation and Canadian national team players agreed upon a new labour agreement framework.
The anticipated collective bargaining agreement (a contract between an employer and union) will cover the period from June 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027. According to Canada Soccer’s announcement, the new agreement focuses on equality and is contingent on revising an old deal from Canadian Soccer Business.
The Canadian Soccer Players’ Association, on behalf of the women’s national team, notably filed a $40 million lawsuit against Canada Soccer board members for “negligence and breach of fiduciary duty.” This lawsuit was tied to the CSB contract mentioned above.
“The experience of working with our players has been a highlight of my tenure so far at Canada Soccer. As we’ve gotten to know each other, and we have developed a strong sense of partnership, trust, and mutual respect,” read Blue’s statement.
“I am pleased to report that Canada Soccer and the players’ associations representing both senior national teams have reached alignment on a framework for a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) … The framework is equitable across both programs and improves overall financial circumstances for Canada Soccer.
“Our players have been true partners throughout the negotiations. They have made meaningful concessions to help put Canada Soccer in a better position to fund other important priorities more effectively.
“A critical step to finalizing a CBA is a revision to the Canadian Soccer Business (CSB) deal that will be more favourable to Canada Soccer and will put it on a firm financial footing going forward. The new CBA framework is contingent on such a revision to the CSB deal. Canada Soccer’s leadership and CSB are in active discussions on a restructured deal, and we are hopeful we will arrive at a positive conclusion soon.
“As we enter the most important era in the domestic history of our sport, we are moving forward with the important work of growing the game of soccer in Canada and growing the business of Canadian soccer.”
When questioned about the new agreement during a pre-game press conference on Monday, manager Jesse Marsch said there is a true unification between the federation and its players at the moment.
“There seems to be a real strong alignment right now between the women’s team, the men’s team and (Canada Soccer) and I think they’re really close to finalizing or aligned with everything for a CBA,” he said.
“I think everybody’s really excited about the possibility of continuing — and hopeful that we find an agreement with the CSB — so that we can put all of this together for a great agreement for everyone. And then really move together all in one direction in the sport.”
Canada’s Men’s National Team next face Mexico on Tuesday after recording a statement win over the USA.