Canada Soccer releases findings of independent investigation; organizational change continues
Contractually mandated reporting of unethical behaviour, ethics training for coaches and staff, and the creation of a new independent Audit and Compliance Committee, are just three of the actions being taken by Canada Soccer in response to the findings of the independent reviewer hired by the organization’s Board of Directors to investigate the illegal use of drones at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
The independent external investigation, conducted by Sonia Regenbogen of Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark, LLP, considered evidence from people across the organization and other individuals with relevant knowledge, including members of the Women’s National Team coaching staff, Men’s National Team coaching staff, players, head office staff, former employees, and Canada Soccer’s CEO and Board Chair. The resulting conclusions capture clear themes and consistent historical context that new leaders – Kevin Blue, CEO and Peter Augruso, President & Board Chair – will now use to inform decision-making and bolster change across the organization.
Regenbogen independently determined the methodology of the investigation and controlled its execution.
Among the report’s findings:
- Two of the Women’s National Team coaches directed, approved and condoned the actions taken by a third member of the Women’s National Team coaching staff to film practices of an opposing team at the Paris Olympics using a drone.
- The drone footage was not viewed by Women’s National Team players.
- Potential violations of the Canada Soccer Code of Conduct and Ethics by the former head coach of the Men’s National Team were identified. Pursuant to the Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code, a disciplinary process is being initiated to adjudicate these potential violations.
- Some assistant coaches and staff members felt uncomfortable with the practice of spying on opponents but did not feel they could challenge the authority of the head coach.
- Two of the Women’s National Team coaches directed acts of improper surveillance predating the 2024 Paris Olympics. No evidence was found that surveillance was undertaken at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, likely due to the highly restrictive nature of the lockdowns related to COVID-19.
- The allegation of drone usage by a member of the Men’s National Team coaching staff to film the practice of an opponent at Copa América was not substantiated. The matter was adjudicated by CONMEBOL in June of 2024, and revisited by the independent investigator.
- Kevin Blue, CEO, and Peter Augruso, President & Board Chair, did not condone the use of drones for surveillance of opponents and were not previously aware of the use of drones for surveillance of opponents.
The investigator’s conclusions are included in this executive summary from Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark, LLP with additional context provided in an accompanying addendum from Canada Soccer. Names have been redacted to comply with privacy laws and with confidentiality commitments.
Further internal examination of culture and organizational ethics is ongoing and will continue under Blue and Augruso. Several structural changes to Canada Soccer’s operations were initiated in response to this incident, and governance reforms starting in June 2024 are continuing to be implemented.
“Over the last several months, Kevin has brought forward plans to increase accountability and transparency across the organization to ensure this doesn’t happen again. This work has already begun, and will continue as we move forward, so that these practical measures will ensure excellence and integrity on the pitch and within the organization. At the Board level, we are implementing the recommendations of the June 2024 independent governance report to modernize our structure and processes, while enhancing oversight.”
- Peter Augruso, President, Canada Soccer
Among the organizational changes that are underway or forthcoming under new leadership at Canada Soccer:
- Contractually mandated reporting of unethical behaviour and new software to facilitate confidential reporting
- Enhanced education and annual attestation regarding the Code of Conduct and Ethics
- Implementation of a new independent Audit and Compliance Committee to oversee organizational compliance
- Context-specific management training for administrators who work with national team coaches
- Modernization of the organization’s by-laws
- Review of the size and skills matrix of the Board
- Optimal participation of athletes in the governance structure and strong engagement of athletes by management
- Improvement of Board evaluations and provision of skills and governance training
“The findings of the independent investigator reveal that the drone incident in Paris was a symptom of a past pattern of an unacceptable culture and insufficient oversight within the national teams. This is no longer part of our operations. In fact, the investigation findings strengthen our resolve to continue implementing changes that are needed to improve Canada Soccer, in all respects, and to do so with urgency. Even though the independent investigation has been concluded, there is more to be done to set things on a new course. We will continue to scrutinize the cultural and ethical foundations of our organization and we will dig in to learn more. As we do, we will take additional steps to ensure compliance with our ethical standards and Code of Conduct, and we will communicate to stakeholders as appropriate. We are working to change Canada Soccer into a federation that Canadians trust and are proud of, and one that is not defined by unfortunate actions of the past.”
- Kevin Blue, CEO & General Secretary, Canada Soccer
The three individuals currently suspended by FIFA will not be returning. The search for a new head coach for the Women’s National Team will commence shortly.
Additional confidential HR measures are being evaluated and will be taken in response to the findings of the investigation.
“This has been a challenging time for our players, fans and staff, and on behalf of the Canada Soccer Board of Directors, I thank Ms. Regenbogen for her professionalism and conscientious approach to the investigation.”
- Peter Augruso, President & Chair of the Board, Canada Soccer
Operational Changes at Canada Soccer
PDF - 127 Kb
Additional Notes on Executive Summary
PDF - 187 Kb
Canada Soccer Summary Report for Board
PDF - 227 Kb
Paulo Senra