Author’s note: Mario Charpentier is 1st vice-president of the Alberta Soccer Association. He is considered to be the man in charge of soccer in Alberta, following the deposing of ASA president Chris Billings last April.
Good morning, sir:
I’m a writer with canadiansoccernews.com, and I’m launching a series of conversations on the subject of CSA governance. This must – necessarily – include the current controversies at the Alberta Soccer Association.
Related:
Four ASA officials face suspension from the CSA today.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
I have some questions for you, designed to help us all better understand this tricky, fluid situation.
You should know that Canadian Soccer News is a new website, designed to be the hub of soccer journalism and discussion for the entire country.
My first Alberta story, published last Thursday, generated huge interest and well over a hundred comments and opinions from concerned individuals – many of whom are clearly quite agitated.
I should further tell you that any response from you is on the record, and will be published on the site in full.
If you choose not to respond, many others will. I hope you can see this as an opportunity to clarify your position on matters that extend far beyond the province of Alberta.
On behalf of everyone involved in this ever-growing discussion, I welcome you, and look forward to your unique insights.
I can be reached – any time – benknight103 at yahoo.ca.
The questions:
1) In your own words, why did Chris Billings have to be removed as president of the ASA?
2) Was Mr. Billings’ support for the proposed CSA governance reforms a factor in his removal?
3) These reforms would remove all provincial and territorial soccer association heads from the CSA board. Can you please clarify why you oppose this?
4) How, in your view, can provincial-association reps help Canada’s national men’s soccer team qualify for the FIFA World Cup?
5) It has been suggested that everyone involved in the ASA dispute should step aside, and an entirely new board be selected. Your thoughts on this, please?
6) How well, in your opinion, is the ASA serving Alberta soccer at present? Are you working for the game, or is the game being forced to work for you?
As I’ve said, the discussion of all these matters is heated – and ongoing. I urge you to become a contributing part of this conversation.
Similar letters will be posted for Chris Billings (Dec. 13) and Mike Traficante (Dec. 20).
Onward!
Previously, in this series: