The Canadian Soccer Association may be looking for a new head coach of the men’s national team.
Information began circulating late Sunday within Canadian soccer circles that suggested Dale Mitchell was being relieved of his position as head coach and would be reassigned within the CSA. Although the CSA is currently denying the story, the news reflects the growing discontent with Mitchell.
In the past, several players have spoken out against Mitchell. Last October, Canadian international Rob Friend told a German magazine that he may not be willing to play for Canada again so long as Mitchell is in charge. “It’s exhausted me and got me nowhere,” Friend said. “I don’t see any future for myself at Canada with Dale Mitchell in charge.”
Others, including Toronto FC’s Jim Brennan, have spoken out since, saying they may not play again without a coaching change.
Mitchell led the national team to its worst showing in World Cup qualifying since the current format was introduced for the 1998 cycle. Speaking off the record yesterday, multiple sources confirmed Mitchell’s change of post.
“They are going to make him work for the money they still owe him,” one person close to the situation was willing to say. “They don’t want to use the word ‘fired’ to describe what’s happening. They don’t want to embarrass Dale.”
Mitchell has two years remaining on his contract, which pays him in the range of $500,000 a year.
The CSA is steadfastly denying all rumours. Board of directors member Vincent Ursini said he had no knowledge of a coaching change. “I am sure I would have been informed prior to such action taking place,” Ursini said in an email.
CSA communication director Richard Scott was also firm in his denial. “Dale is our men’s head coach,” he said.
The CSA board of governors is meeting this week in Ottawa.
