Update from Kevin Blue about National Team Labour Discussions
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.
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) covering the period from June 1, 2024 through December 31, 2027. 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.
-Kevin Blue, CEO & General Secretary, Canada Soccer
Paulo Senra