Alberta Soccer Extends Potential Resolution to Suspended President Ahead of Heated AGM
In a dramatic turn of events, Alberta Soccer has offered a potential deal to deposed president Junior Figueiredo just days before what promises to be a contentious annual general meeting. A letter obtained by media suggests Figueiredo's status could be put to a membership vote, but only if four member associations agree to withdraw a lawsuit they filed against the provincial soccer body.
Unusual AGM Atmosphere Expected
Typically, sports association annual general meetings are quiet affairs characterized by routine reports, financial approvals, and polite recognition of seasonal achievements. Attendees often struggle to stay engaged, with coffee consumption reaching peak levels as members discreetly check their phones throughout the proceedings.
This Saturday's Alberta Soccer AGM, however, promises to be anything but sleepy. The organization finds itself embroiled in multiple controversies, with suspended president Junior Figueiredo aggressively pushing for reinstatement despite the matter not currently appearing on the official agenda.
Legal Challenges and Member Revolt
Four member associations—St. Albert Soccer Association, Battle River Minor Soccer Association, Edmonton Minor Soccer Association, and Calgary Women's Soccer Association—have joined forces to sue the parent body. Their lawsuit demands Figueiredo's reinstatement so his case can be properly heard by a disciplinary committee as outlined in Alberta Soccer's bylaws.
Adding to the turmoil, Steven Toporowsky, who was fired from his position as Alberta Soccer's director of competitions in February, recently published an open letter expressing support for Figueiredo. Toporowsky confirmed his legal team is in contact with Alberta Soccer, claiming he was terminated without cause.
"What concerns me most is not simply the loss of my position, but the broader governance and organizational issues that this situation appears to reflect," Toporowsky wrote in his letter to the membership.
Complex Timeline of Events
Figueiredo was elected as Alberta Soccer president in February of last year, campaigning on a platform of organizational reform. In August, a staff member filed a workplace harassment complaint against him, though that individual has since left the organization.
Alberta Soccer hired Veritas Solutions, an HR company, to investigate the allegations. The investigation found just cause, and the board subsequently voted to suspend Figueiredo for five years based on these findings.
However, Alberta Soccer's bylaws clearly state that a disciplinary committee must be formed to adjudicate any board member accused of misconduct. Figueiredo has repeatedly expressed his desire to face such a committee.
"I want to face the disciplinary committee," Figueiredo stated. "I do not want to be tried by a kangaroo court."
Conflicting Legal Interpretations
Alberta Soccer maintains that Figueiredo's suspension falls under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which they argue supersedes the organization's existing bylaws. The board stated in a letter to membership that "the board had a legal obligation to act immediately given the serious nature of Veritas's findings."
In May, Alberta Court of King's Bench application judge Stephanie Wanke struck down the lawsuit filed by the four associations, ruling that none were directly impacted by the decision to suspend Figueiredo. The associations are currently appealing Wanke's decision.
Potential Resolution on the Table
The newly revealed letter suggests a potential compromise: Alberta Soccer would allow Figueiredo's status to be put to a membership vote at the AGM, but only if the four associations agree to withdraw their lawsuit against the organization. This development comes as Alberta Soccer has not placed the matter of Figueiredo's suspension on the official agenda for ratification by members.
As of Tuesday, Alberta Soccer's lawyer had not responded to media requests for comment regarding the proposed deal or the broader governance crisis facing the organization.
With multiple legal battles, conflicting interpretations of bylaws versus legislation, and deep divisions within the membership, this weekend's AGM may feature more dramatic storylines than even the World Cup tournament, setting the stage for what could be a defining moment for soccer governance in Alberta.
