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Canada Soccer president Bontis resigns amid labor disputes with players

Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Nick Bontis resigned as president of Canada Soccer on Monday, acknowledging that a change in leadership was required to achieve labor peace between Canada's players and the embattled federation.

Bontis' decision to relinquish his role came shortly after his resignation was collectively requested by the 13 presidents of Canada's provincial and territorial soccer federations. That group sent a letter to Bontis on Monday saying it had lost faith in his ability to lead Canada Soccer, according to Rick Westhead of TSN.

Bontis, a member of the board since 2012 and elected president in November 2020, was the face of a federation that's been embroiled in public feuds with both the men's and women's national teams in recent months.

Months before the men's World Cup last year, the players went on strike, refusing to play a match against Panama and citing their displeasure with Canada Soccer's handling of the $10 million in bonus money earned as a result of the team qualifying for the competition in Qatar.

That dispute marred preparations for Canada's first appearance at the men's tournament since 1986.

Then, earlier this month, the women's team - the reigning Olympic gold medalist - threatened to strike over budget cuts and pay equity issues. The players, who said they hadn't yet been compensated for their work in 2022, planned to boycott activities during the SheBelieves Cup. But Canada Soccer forced them back to work, saying the strike was unlawful and threatening to sue the players for damages if they didn't participate in the tournament.

The women's team ultimately played in protest, wearing purple shirts with "Enough is enough" written across the front prior to each of its three matches.

"While I have been one of the biggest proponents of equalizing the competitive performance environment for our Women's National Team, I will unfortunately not be leading this organization when it happens," Bontis said of his decision to step aside. "I acknowledge that this moment requires change."

Bontis' resignation is effective immediately.

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