Another Canadian governing body has failed to do the right thing and made light of sexual assault. Following Hockey Canada’s footsteps, Canada Soccer has been found to “mishandle” sexual harassment allegations.
Former Bayern Coach is In Favour of Installing A Playoff System Into The Bundesliga /Another Canadian Sports Governing Body “Mishandled” Sexual Assault Allegations | @whosgotnextpod @DBlundellNet https://t.co/sOltgJTQ6E
— Ray Rauth (@dpn_ray) August 5, 2022
Former under-20 women’s coach Bob Birarda has been convicted of sexual assault and sexual touch. An independent review has concluded Canada Soccer did a poor job of handling the allegations.
The report by McLaren Global Sport Solution says Canada Soccer was dysfunctional and inefficient. What was made perfectly clear was Canada Soccer leadership was incompetent between 2007-2008. There was a lack of oversight over the women’s under-20 team, and Canada Soccer didn’t follow its own harassment policy.
When the allegations against Birarda, Canada Soccer announced Birarda’s departure as a mutual parting.
Canada Soccer’s lack of action and the apparent coverup are unacceptable. It’s becoming clear that the governing bodies overseeing Canadian sports need to be held more accountable.
The culture of Canadian sport is being put under a microscope, and the results aren’t great. There’s nothing to be proud of, and there’s always the fear of what’s next. Perhaps a full audit of all Canadian sports can start igniting real change. The people in charge need to protect the integrity of sport. Still, they need to protect their athletes, coaches, and supporters.
