Canada Soccer 'encourages' stakeholders to keep Whitecaps in Vancouver, says club 'vital' to growth of sport

Canada Soccer has issued a strong public statement of support for the Vancouver Whitecaps.

The organization deemed the club “vital” to the growth of the sport across the country and calling on all stakeholders to collaborate on a solution that keeps the team in Vancouver.

"The Whitecaps are a cornerstone of the Canadian soccer landscape, and their continued presence in Vancouver is vital to the growth of the sport across the country," Soccer Canada wrote, adding that it remains "closely engaged" in discussions with both the Whitecaps and Major League Soccer, and "supports the ongoing efforts underway to secure a positive, long-term solution that keeps the Whitecaps in Vancouver."

Canada Soccer went further, praising the current ownership group and encouraging collaboration.

"Canada Soccer encourages all stakeholders to work together with urgency, creativity, and flexibility to keep this club where it belongs: in Vancouver," they said.

The statement comes amid uncertainty surrounding the Whitecaps’ future. Last week, reports revealed that MLS owners had discussed the possibility of relocating the club, with Las Vegas identified as a leading candidate. The Whitecaps have been seeking a local successor for more than 18 months.

The release marks one of the strongest public interventions yet from Canada Soccer, which described the club as having built “one of MLS’ strongest organizations,” while making “meaningful, long-term contributions to Canadian soccer, through player development, academy infrastructure, and sustained support for the broader soccer ecosystem.”

The governing body did not name any specific parties or provide new details on negotiations, but made its position clear; the Whitecaps should remain in Vancouver.