An independent analysis has concluded that Soccer Canada “mishandled” sexual harassment allegations against women’s Under-20 coach Bob Birarda in 2008.
McLaren Global Sport Solutions has reviewed how Soccer Canada handled Birarda, a former women’s coach for the Vancouver Whitecaps and Canadian national teams.
Birarda is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty in February to three counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual touching in a position of authority.
The events, which involve four teenage players managed by Birarda, took place between 1988 and 2008. Birarda was fired by the Whitecaps and Soccer Canada in October 2008.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled to resume in September.
In the 125-page report, the firm notes that Birarda was able to lead the team “as he wanted,” without coaching or supervision. He took the opportunity to engage “in what should have been identified by the CSA (Canadian Soccer Association) as highly questionable if not outright prohibited relationships, communications or activities with female players”.
The firm’s objective was to review Soccer Canada’s “institutional response and process” in relation to Birarda’s departure in 2008. It was also to “review all policies related to security in sport and identify shortcomings requiring action.
“The review demonstrates in black and white that the CSA mishandled harassment allegations in 2008. It provides a timeline of actions, details how policies were not followed, and exposes a habit of not documenting decisions which ultimately led to player frustration and anger, which continues to be felt today,” McLaren wrote.
To see in video