Victor Montagliani of Burnaby is the new president of the Canadian Soccer Association. The Burnaby Heights resident was elected to a four-year term at its annual general meeting in Ottawa on Saturday.
Montagliani, 46, who previously served three terms as the association's vice-president and was a past chair of the national teams committee, has been a member of the association's executive committee since 2005.
Montagliani is proud of his "soccer guy" moniker.
"Passion and love of the game, I'll take that any time," he said on a Tuesday morning conference call.
Montagliani also brings with him 21 years of business experience in corporate Canada with a commitment to and knowledge of the game at all levels.
"Governance is not simply about management. It requires leadership, passion and a burning desire to deliver excellent outcomes for the Canadian Soccer Association. Leadership is about service, and I am ready to serve," said Montagliani in a press release prior to his election.
Montagliani replaces Dominique Maestracci, who was elected in 2007.
Maestracci was instrumental in securing Canada's successful bid to host the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015, which will include Vancouver as a site city.
As a player and a successful businessman, Montagliani said there are too many structures in the game that have an "instrumental mentality."
He said the game has to change from its cultural past and become more entrepenurial, "ensuring operations and governance are separated."
To that end, the CSA has already begun moving away from the 12 provincial and territorial president format to one that includes six appointed positions. Three additional independent directors will be appointed later this summer.
But Montagliani maintained that grassroots are at the heart of soccer football in Canada.
"The clubs are the backbone of football, period," he said.
