Canada Soccer statement regarding Ottawa Fury FC announcement

Canada Soccer is extremely disappointed with the announcement that the Ottawa Fury FC will suspend operations. As the national governing body for the sport of soccer in Canada, we have always supported the growth and development of all levels of soccer, including the professional game in our country with Canada Soccer having provided cross border sanctioning to Ottawa Fury FC in 2018 and 2019 for the subsequent seasons.

In respect of international protocols for sanctioning, Canada Soccer provides approval through its Board of Directors on an annual basis for sanctioning of the participation of all Canadian soccer clubs in cross border leagues. In 2019, Canada Soccer has brought forward to US Soccer and Concacaf a request for the sanctioning of 13 teams across six leagues, including the Ottawa Fury FC in the USL, to compete for the 2020 season.

Ottawa Fury FC were informed of the approval by Canada Soccer’s Board of Directors on 17 May and that the next steps in the process would continue in accordance with Concacaf timelines. As recent as 7 November, Canada Soccer continued to work through the subsequent approval process with US Soccer and Concacaf to facilitate a decision being made by the other governing bodies.