Canada's Victor Montagliani elected President of CONCACAF

Dec 19 2017, 11:27 am

President of the Canadian Soccer Association, Victor Montagliani, has been elected President of CONCACAF in Mexico City this morning.

CONCACAF (the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) is the continental governing body for association football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Montagliani will lead the direction for the confederation, based on his campaign platform for ONE CONCACAF. The successful campaign focused on four pillars: strategic planning for competitions and commercial enterprise, good governance, strong leadership, and an increased investment in “football first”, through development and infrastructure.

“I am truly honoured to have the confidence of CONCACAF’s members as we move into a new football first era for our confederation,” said Montagliani after the election. “Our members have voted in favour of reform, and I am committed to ensuring CONCACAF rebuilds its credibility with the football world and to position and ready the organization to deal effectively with the evolving global game.”

Montagliani, a native of Vancouver, defeated Bermuda Football Association President Larry Mussenden for the Presidency.

“I would like to thank Larry Mussenden for his commitment to CONCACAF and his earnest desire to see this organisation achieve greatness,” said Montagliani. “Larry and I share many of the same values and I look forward to working with him in the coming months and years to achieve our shared goals.”

Montagliani has been President of Canada Soccer since May of 2012. Prior to that, the 50-year-old served as President of the B.C. Soccer Association and as Vice-President of Canada Soccer from 2005 to 2012. He has also served as a member of the National Organising Committee for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007, CONCACAF Gold Cup Organising Committee, FIFA’s Legal Committee, and FIFA’s Reform Committee. In addition to that, Montagliani chaired the National Organising Committee for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 and FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015.

“Today, we have taken an important step towards the future of one, united CONCACAF,” said Montagliani. “I welcome all CONCACAF members to join me in building ONE CONCACAF for the players and fans of the world’s greatest game. It is time to put football first!”

Montagliani is the first non-Caribbean elected President of CONCACAF. His presence should help give Canada more of a voice in the world game. It could also give Canada a better shot at hosting the World Cup one day. Perhaps as soon as 2026?

Stay tuned.

 

DH Calgary StaffDH Calgary Staff

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