Canadian Soccer Association right to de-sanction Canadian Soccer League upheld by Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada

The Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) issued a decision on Tuesday 23 April in the arbitration process between the Canadian Soccer Association and the Canadian Soccer League (CSL). It was found that the Canadian Soccer Association, in accordance to its By-laws, did have the authority to withdraw sanctioning it had previously granted to the Canadian Soccer League.

“The Canadian Soccer Association decision to de-sanction the CSL was made in light of the endorsed recommendation provided by the Division II viability study conducted by James Easton and the Rethink Management Group to move towards a model of a regional semi-professional development-focused league,” said Victor Montagliani, President, Canadian Soccer Association. “We remain committed to this vision moving forward.”

SDRCC determined that the timelines provided by the Canadian Soccer Association to the CSL in the de-sanctioning process did not provide the league with reasonable opportunity to seek other sanctioning and review its operations for the 2013 season. It has therefore extended the de-sanctioning deadline. As a result, the Canadian Soccer League will be allowed to operate for a 2013 season; its de-sanctioning by the Canadian Soccer Association withstands and will now be effective at the end of the upcoming season.