Ontario's Dino Rossi resigns from Soccer Canada board of directors – Winnipeg Free Press

Dino Rossi has resigned from Canada Soccer's board of directors saying “soccer is not the number one priority in Canadian soccer at this time.”

Rossi, a longtime soccer administrator, was elected to the board in May 2023 to represent Ontario.

“If you know anything about me, you know how passionate I am about Canadian soccer, especially our national teams,” Rossi wrote in a social media post. “The opportunity to serve as a director for the CSA (Canadian Soccer Association) and sport has been such an exciting opportunity at such an important time, especially with the 2026 World Cup coming to Canada.

“Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, it has become clear that soccer is not the number one priority in Canadian soccer these days. I found it very difficult to contribute in a way that was meaningful, impactful and served those who play sports and games.

“At the end of the day, if things don't go well, it's best to move on.”

Rossi did not elaborate on the specifics of his resignation and declined to comment further.

In a statement, he said he was leaving “so that someone else can fill the remaining two years of my term and contribute more (or otherwise) than I can.”

Paulo Senra, Soccer Canada's chief communications and content officer, said the governing body notified Rossi of his resignation earlier this week.

“We thank him for his service and wish him the best,” Senra said in a brief statement.

Rossi is also the volunteer executive chairman of League1 Ontario, owned by Canadian Soccer Business. That role prompted Liberal MP Anthony Housefather to ask Soccer Canada president Charmaine Crooks during a House of Commons heritage committee meeting in May to ensure Rossi recused himself from CSB issues.

His departure is the latest in a series of changes in Canadian soccer.

Newly appointed Allison Walker resigned as secretary-general on the day she was scheduled to start last month citing personal reasons. The search for a replacement is delaying the appointment of the men's team coach.