LATEST UPDATE: New Canada Soccer boss acknowledges need to ‘rebuild trust’ with soccer community
Kevin Blue, the newly appointed General Secretary and CEO of Canada Soccer, acknowledged on Monday the pressing need for the governing body to mend relationships and regain trust within the soccer community.
Addressing a virtual availability, Blue recognized past incidents that have tarnished the organization’s reputation, stating, “There’s been some things that have happened over a period of time that haven’t reflected positively on the organization.” He emphasized the necessity of rebuilding trust and expressed his commitment to transparency and communication.
Blue, a former executive at Golf Canada, emphasized his intention to adopt a direct, steady, and professional approach in his new role. However, being in the position for only a short time, he admitted to lacking concrete solutions, particularly concerning issues such as the ongoing labor dispute with the national teams and financial constraints stemming from existing agreements.
Regarding the financial model of Canada Soccer, Blue acknowledged the need for refinement and emphasized the broader opportunity to establish a more effective commercial and philanthropic structure for the sport nationwide. He addressed concerns of financial misalignments within the organization and assured that bankruptcy is not imminent.
Blue refrained from dwelling on past issues and urged a forward-looking approach, stating, “the continuations of old conversations is part but not all of what we need to be focusing on going forward.”
In terms of the men’s team, he reiterated that finding a permanent coach remains a priority, with Mauro Biello currently serving as interim coach. Blue’s remarks coincided with the unveiling of the Canadian teams’ new kit by Nike, which will debut in a crucial Copa America playoff against Trinidad and Tobago.
Having assumed his role recently, Blue has wasted no time in engaging with various stakeholders, including attending the CONCACAF W Gold Cup in San Diego and issuing statements. He acknowledged his sports background but emphasized the importance of learning and seeking expertise within the football realm.
Blue’s appointment follows a series of changes within Canada Soccer’s leadership, with previous General Secretary Peter Montopoli stepping down to lead Canada’s end of the 2026 World Cup for FIFA. Earl Cochrane served as acting general secretary before Blue’s appointment, amidst ongoing organizational shifts and challenges.