Dino Rossi resigned from Soccer Canada's board of directors, saying, “Soccer doesn't come first in Canada Soccer these days.” Rossi, a long-time soccer manager, will be elected to the board representing Ontario in May 2023.
Dino Rossi resigned from Soccer Canada's board of directors, saying, “Soccer doesn't come first in Canada Soccer these days.”
Rossi, a long-time soccer manager, will be elected to the board representing Ontario in May 2023.
“If you know anything about me, you know how passionate I am about Canadian soccer and especially our national teams,” Rossi wrote in a social media post. “The opportunity to serve the CSA (Canadian Soccer Association) and the sport as a director, especially with the 2026 World Cup coming to Canada, feels like an exciting opportunity at a pivotal time.
“Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, it has become clear that soccer does not come first in Canada Soccer these days. I have found it extremely difficult to contribute in a way that I have found meaningful and impactful, and in service of the sport and those who play the game.
“In the end, when the situation is not right, it is better to move on.”
Rossi did not explain the details of his resignation and declined to comment further.
He said in the statement that he would step down “so that someone else can fill the seat during the remaining two years of my term, and I hope they will contribute more (or differently) than I was able to.”
Paolo Senra, Canada Soccer's chief communications and content officer, said the governing body is aware of Rossi's resignation earlier this week.
“We thank him for his service and wish him all the best,” Senra said in a brief statement.
Rossi is also the volunteer CEO of League1 Ontario, a league owned by Canadian Soccer Business. This role prompted Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, at a House of Commons Heritage Committee meeting in May, to ask CBA President Charmaine Crooks to ensure that Rossi recuses himself from matters relating to CSB.
His departure is the latest in a series of changes at Canada Soccer.
Newly appointed Alison Walker withdrew from the position of Secretary-General on the day she was due to begin her duties last month, citing personal reasons. The search for a replacement delays the appointment of a coach for the men's national team.
Former Canada captain Jason Devos, who was serving as interim general secretary, resigned last month to join Toronto FC as an assistant coach.
Former president Nick Pontis and general secretary Earl Cochrane resigned last year as Canada Soccer and its players were embroiled in a long and bitter labor dispute that has yet to be resolved.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 9, 2024
Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
