Kevin Blue, the new general secretary and CEO of Canada Soccer, recognized Monday the need for the governing body to “rebuild trust” with the soccer community.
“Things happened that did not send a good image of the organization,” he said during a virtual availability.
“Frankly, we have a lot of work to do to rebuild trust,” he added. This is the reality and I accept this responsibility.”
“Part of what I hope to do is show people that I’m willing to listen, I’m willing to connect, I’m willing to learn and I’m willing to be direct. »
Blue said that while it will take time, “it’s certainly something that I realize is important if we want to be effective and credible at the leadership level.”
Blue, 41, is a former Golf Canada executive.
Among the issues on the table: resolving the long-running labor dispute with the men’s and women’s national teams, and finding ways to ease the financial limitations of the agreement with Canadian Soccer Business (CSB), covering corporate partnerships and broadcasting rights.
Canada Soccer is expected to receive approximately $4 million per year as part of the deal. This amount has been increased by approximately $500,000 each year, until the 2026 World Cup.
Players believe the pact prevents national teams from preparing adequately.
Blue said he has already had an introductory meeting with CSB officials.
The Canadian Soccer Players’ Association, which represents the women’s team, has filed a $40 million lawsuit against 15 current and former members of the Canada Soccer board of directors, alleging “negligence and breach of fiduciary duty.”
Blue mentioned that there are “several financial misalignments that need to be addressed.”
He denied the organization was facing bankruptcy within the next year.
He offered little new news on the search for a permanent men’s coach, having previously said in a brief statement that it was a “major priority”. Mauro Biello serves as interim coach.
Prior to joining Golf Canada, where he served as Director of Athletics beginning in December 2020, Blue was Director of Athletics at the University of California, Davis, a position he began in May 2016.