"Two former Vancouver Whitecaps players made an impassioned and gut-wrenching case for a national inquiry into toxic, and at times, abusive sports culture in Canada."

"Elite athletes appeared before a House of Commons committee to accuse the federal government of doing nothing in response to abuse in sports and to demand a national public inquiry.'

"The CPL says it has voluntarily recognized that PFA Canada will represent professional soccer players under contract to CPL teams.”  

"McCormack sometimes feels like she’s living in a George Orwell novel, where regimes hold on to power for its own sake and for no higher purpose."

"There there is one first the league is still waiting for: its first recognized Player’s Association”  

"As next step in the professionalisation of that journey, it’s vital the voice of players is heard and done so through collective bargaining.”  

After nearly two years, the player-led movement is nearing official recognition from the league

In a 1-on-1 chat with TFC Republic, PFACan legal counsel discusses where things stand with CPL players forming a union, and the road ahead.

"I think that this is the most hopeful that I've been in terms of having somebody at the table advocating for us,”

"Players allege a 'pattern of negligent leadership at both Canada Soccer and the Whitecaps”

"PFA Can has officially partnered with the Canadian Soccer Players Association, marking a significant milestone for both unions as they fight to improve the rights for those they represent.”

"A unionization drive among professional soccer players in Canada is gaining steam as the CPL second season during the COVID-19 pandemic continues.”

"The decision to share some of the financial figures comes at a time when CPL players are trying to form a union”

"Everyone within the football industry has a part to play in creating a secure environment for the LGBTQ+ community, including the task of education and awareness.”

FIFPRO’s ‘Ready to Board’ programme began this week to guide inspirational women towards leadership roles in the football industry.”

"Marcel de Jong has won a second term as president of PFA Can.  De Jong, who recently announced his retirement as a Pacific FC player, won by acclamation”

"As a veteran who played in the Netherlands, Germany and MLS, de Jong had more bargaining power than most when he came to the CPL.”

"Beyond the glamour of the billboards and television broadcasts, CanPL’s players – the backbone of the whole league – have been struggling for respect and fair pay.”

"PFA Can announced it had been granted official candidate membership by FIFPRO. But the CPL is yet to recognize the Canadian soccer players’ union.”

"Over a year ago, de Jong asked Dan Kruk if he could help establish a player association in Canada. De Jong noticed in the newly established CPL that player rights were not as well protected as in the other countries he played”

"A simmering issue threatens to sidetrack the progress of soccer in Canada: CPL players seek to unionize under the banner of the PFA Can”

Diana Matheson and Marcel de Jong are the two newest members of the FIFPRO Global Player Council.

"Normally, such a gesture would be negotiated with the Players' Association. However, even if there is one, the league refuses to recognize it." 

"We all realize there is a long road ahead for the union in its relationship with the CanPL." 

"The COVID-19 crisis might be a curse or a blessing for a CPL players' association trying to get off the ground."