In the latest edition of Business in Vancouver, I examined some of Canada’s leading amateur sports organizations and whether they are transparent to their members, sponsors and the public. Click here to read the story.
On one end of the scale is Rugby Canada, which gets top marks for the page on its website devoted to annual audited financial reports going back to 2003. That is the hallmark of an organization that wants to be engaged with its players, coaches, fans and sponsors.
On the other end of the scale is the Canadian Soccer Association, the Canadian member of scandal-plagued FIFA. It does not publish its financials.
CSA relies on fees charged to members, taxpayer grants and sponsorship for much of its revenue. CSA also relies on public venues at which to stage matches and training.
President Victor Montagliani, who is running to be president of CONCACAF, told me in April that the 2015 financial report would be released, but would not say when. I am eager to see what it looks like. Montagliani, however, said the previous years would remain confidential.
What is the CSA trying to hide?
While we wait for publication of the financial report (which will undoubtedly go before the board of directors at the 96th annual general meeting in Saskatoon on May 7), we are left to ponder what could be motivating the CSA’s secrecy.
To tide you over, here is this nugget. I obtained a copy of an October memo to the CSA board of directors about CSA finances as they stood last summer.
Mobile users, click here >> CSA Financial Package – August 2015 by BobMackin