Canada Soccer President Dr. Nick Bontis RESIGNS amid women's national team's fight for equal pay, saying there's 'real potential to sign an historic collective bargaining agreement' but that 'moment requires change'
- Nick Bontis is stepping down from Canada Soccer after three years in charge
- It comes as Canada's women's team is fighting for equitable resources and pay
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Dr. Nick Bontis, the president of Canada Soccer announced today that he is resigning from his position, effective immediately.
Bontis has been in charge of the sport's governing body in Canada since his election in November of 2020, when he was chosen to succeed Steven Reed.
His resignation comes at a time when Canada's men's and women's national teams are set to sign a collective bargaining agreement which could set up an equitable sharing of resources between the sides.
It's something the women's team is fighting for - having previously gone on strike during the SheBelieves Cup. The team backed down from that strike after individual players were threatened with lawsuits.
Players for the women's team have asked not only for equal pay, but for greater equity of matches, staff, and other resources.
![Canada Soccer president Dr. Nick Bontis has resigned from his position 'effective immediately'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/02/27/21/68143397-11799987-image-a-4_1677534060381.jpg)
Canada Soccer president Dr. Nick Bontis has resigned from his position 'effective immediately'
![Bontis says he supports the women's team's fight but that 'this moment requires change'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/02/27/21/68142795-11799987-image-a-3_1677534057872.jpg)
Bontis says he supports the women's team's fight but that 'this moment requires change'
Bontis said that in order for a better deal to be made, that 'this moment requires change' in the system of Canadian soccer.
'Today, I have submitted my resignation, effective immediately, to Canada Soccer's Board of Directors,' Bontis's statement began Monday.
'I want to thank the entire membership, our players, our sponsors and every Canadian soccer fan who continues to support the growth of soccer in our country.
'Canada Soccer and both of our National Team Programs have the real potential to sign a historic collective bargaining agreement.
'Once signed, it will be a landmark deal that will set our nation apart from virtually every other FIFA Member Association. 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. I acknowledge that this moment requires change.
'Serving as a volunteer for this organization, and witnessing the tremendous achievements we’ve been able to accomplish together, has been some of the proudest moments of my life.
'Olympic success for our Women’s National Team. Genuine diversity on our Board of Directors, including our first ever female vice president. Our first Men's FIFA World Cup goal at Qatar 2022. Winning the bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup at home.
'I know in my heart that there is more to come. I am and always will be a passionate fan of Canadian soccer and our players. We are in the midst of some of the most exciting times in our nation’s soccer history. I look forward to continuing to support our country, its players and our quest for greatness.'
![Bontis (L) has been in charge of Canada Soccer since November 2020 when he was elected](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/02/27/21/68143399-11799987-image-a-5_1677534064318.jpg)
Bontis (L) has been in charge of Canada Soccer since November 2020 when he was elected
![Canada's soccer team had been playing the SheBelieves Cup under protest over two weeks](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/02/27/21/68143425-11799987-image-a-1_1677534044063.jpg)
Canada's soccer team had been playing the SheBelieves Cup under protest over two weeks
![Players are trying to get an equitable amount of pay, resources, staff, youth camps, & matches](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/02/27/21/68143433-11799987-image-a-2_1677534046781.jpg)
Players are trying to get an equitable amount of pay, resources, staff, youth camps, & matches
International support for the women's side has been growing and replicated by Canada's opponents in the cup as well as their global rivals.
Even former players - such as Olympic medalist and Apple TV presenter Kaylyn Kyle - have shared their experiences in calling for fair treatment for players.
No progress on a deal for both national teams has been revealed and the clock is ticking for Canada Soccer.
Players have previously pledged to boycott a set of FIFA sanctioned international fixtures in April if their demands aren't met.
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