“I don’t remember hurting him”

The former president of the football federation of Canada, Nick Bontis, who resigned from his position a month ago cornered by disputes over equal pay, does not recall being insulted Christine Sinclair when the women’s soccer team’s concerns were raised internationally, leading to a Canadian strike. However, he apologized for the incident.

Sinclair, Canada’s all-time leading international goalscorer, appeared before a parliamentary committee three weeks ago to discuss pay equity, equal treatment and other federation issues. Sinclair said he raised his concerns with Bontis at a meeting last year and he referred to them later in the meeting as; “What is Christine complaining about?”

Bontis mentioned the incident during his keynote address to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage that addressed, among other things, Canada Soccer’s relationship with its players and financial transactions. “Even though I don’t remember using the language you’re referring to, I’m not disputing it. The important thing is that she felt I was disrespecting her. I felt terrible for making her feel this way and have since been in contact I am Christine’s. agent to apologize. personally. It was a mistake, I take responsibility and I’m sorry.”

The women’s national team’s last deal with the Canadian federation expired in 2021, while the men’s team, which formed its own players’ association in August, is negotiating its first formal deal.

Bontis praised Sinclair, who helped Canada win a gold medal at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, for his positive impact on the sport. “Few people have done more for soccer or women’s sport in this country than Christine. Not only has she inspired millions of young soccer players around the world, she has inspired me,” Bontis said.