Part 1: Why British Columbia players cannot represent Canada or play in the Football Canada Cup

Football players from British Columbia presently are not eligible to participate on National Teams or participate in the Football Canada Cup Under-18 championship. After many, many inquiries from CFC fans we tasked CFC investigative journalist Adam Pacheco to find out what the reasons were for this unfortunate circumstance. This is part 1 in a series of articles investigating the reasons.

CFC has learned that Football BC will not be represented this year at the upcoming Football Canada Cup (July), nor can football players from British Columbia participate on this years edition of the Under 19 Canadian National team participating in the IFAF World Junior Championship (July). There has been much speculation as to why Football BC will not be at this years tournament in London, however CFC can confirm that the program is in fact a “member not in good standing” with Football Canada.

In an interview with Football Canada President Roger Collette, reasoning behind the status of Football BC could not be formally named. “There are guidelines that every program throughout the country has to follow, and there are certain guidelines in the handbook, that Football BC has not followed,” Collette says.

Reports of unpaid membership fees and tournament fees have surfaced, however Collette strongly denies the reports and is not aware of why membership fees have even been brought up. “I never said it involved anything to do with fees. You can speculate why Football BC is not apart of Football Canada Cup, but it is not for everyone to know.”

However CFC has learned from a source, who wishes to remain nameless, that membership fees are in fact the issue. It is believed that Football BC has a different price for its members, 2 dollars, compared to the 5 dollars per member that other provinces programs charge. It was also not confirmed or denied whether they paid the fees from last years Football Canada Cup.

If fees are the issue, this may shine some light onto the money problems that may be at hand as to why Football BC is a member not in good standing. There are still many few questions yet to be answered, however Football BC has not commented on the allegations. Over a four week period multiple phone calls and emails were not answered or returned from Executive Director Pat Waslen.

Football BC was a loud competitor at last years tournament, finishing 3rd overall. The program has been a consistent member the past few years. As for their position now, Football Canada feels that the issue and status of Football BC, can be rectified in the near future.

“I expect Football BC to be back apart of Football Canada within a few months,” Collette says.

Keep tuned to CFC for my subsequent reports on this story.