With a surprising – or not so surprising statement from the Canadian Soccer Association, the national governing body has created confusion about the one-year re-instatement of the Canadian Soccer League back to full playing status.
It’s to the end of the CSL’s 2013 season, says the CSA, in an announcement
The CSA statement came in response to a ruling on April 23 by arbitrator Justice Hugh L. Fraser that the CSA will have to wait until February 13, 2014 – a full 12 months – if they wish to de-sanction the CSL.
The CSL season is expected to be concluded by the end of October, but activity continues when teams become involved in exhibition games outside of Canada and other various activities, including indoor soccer during the ensuing fall and winter months.
The CSL sought clarification from the arbitrator following the CSA’s announcement of an early de-sanctioning time, and Justice Hugh L. Fraser re-affirmed that February 13, 2014 is the earliest date by which the CSA can de-sanction the CSL.
Media outlets have been unable to gain confirmation that the CSA will abide by the ruling issued by the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC), which is constituted by a federal act and is funded by the federal government and works closely with Sport Canada.
But it’s not the first time the CSA has attempted to avoid SDRCC jurisdiction with the CSL appeal.
While the CSA By-laws state the SDRCC is the avenue for members who wish to appeal national decisions of the governing body, the CSA took a position that the SDRCC does not have the jurisdiction to arbitrate this dispute and it became necessary for Justice Fraser to over-rule the CSA’s objection, which he did on April 2.
The CSL is seeking a further assurance that the CSA will follow the ruling handed down following several weeks of deliberation and a hearing on April 10.
