(Montreal) Earl Cochrane stepped down as general secretary of Canada Soccer on Thursday.

The governing body announced that “the federation and Earl Cochrane have agreed to go separate ways. »

This comes against the backdrop of a long labor dispute with the men’s and women’s national teams.

Nick Bontis resigned as president of Canada Soccer at the end of February, admitting a change was needed.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Earl for his lasting contributions and the tremendous passion he instilled in our organization and our sport,” Charmaine Crooks, who served as interim president, said in a statement. of Canada Soccer following Bontis’ departure.

“Earl has earned a reputation as a thoughtful and progressive leader, and has worked every day to ensure the growth and development of soccer across the country. We wish him the best for the rest of his career. »

Cochrane took over the role last July, after Peter Montopoli stepped down to become head of match operations in Canada at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

National teams issued a joint statement the day his hire was announced, asking Sport Canada to investigate Canada Soccer’s governance practices, as well as the circumstances under which Canada Soccer entered into its agreement with Canada Soccer Business .

Canada Soccer said Mr. Cochrane will remain with the federation until May 12 “to help with the transition”.

“I would like to thank all of our staff, partners and Board of Directors for their support and trust,” Cochrane said in the Canada Soccer statement.

“I am excited to start the next chapter of my life and I am confident that through the work I have done over the past 15 years, both domestically and globally, I have left Canada Soccer in a better state of mind.

“I am proud of the role I have played in helping to stabilize this organization through its various periods of success and challenges. »