Robert Posted November 16, 2005 Share Posted November 16, 2005 Does Kevan Pipe have the moral authority to govern Canadian soccer? Kevan Pipe’s true colours are beginning to shine through very brightly. In light of the recent developments in Canadian politics and Toronto’s MLS soccer stadium saga, it is interesting to observe all the public positions that all the major players in Canada’s soccer community have taken. Would Kevan Pipe, the COO of the CSA, win a political vote of confidence within Canadian soccer circles? Today, more than ever, he appears to be that the visionless imbecile he truly is. Having placed all of Canada’s soccer eggs in one basket by going for a Toronto MLS team with federal transfer dollars as the main source of financing, has he really cleared that last hurdle, as he claims he has? With Paul Martin’s current political woes, apparently not. Since the Liberal government’s announcement to kick in $30M to build a stadium in Toronto for the upcoming 2007 World Youth Championships, Canada’s soccer leader may have wasted too much time in finding a location to build the damn thing. Finally, after dragging their heels for months looking for more handouts, Kevan Pipe and Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment were forced by the MLS to take action. Civic Council, of that Major League Sporting City pursuing a minor league franchise (quite the contradiction as soccer still holds minor league status in North America), were rushed into approving the CSA/MLSE plan. Toronto’s civic leaders even contributed a $10M blessing of their own to the happy applicants. In the process of accomplishing all that Kevan Pipe thought that was required from him to acquire the MLS franchise for Toronto, he failed to foresee any of the possible problems that could still go wrong. Does he have a written guarantee that would hold any federal Canadian government to the commitment made by the Paul Martin government? Does he already have those funds secured in a CSA bank account? If the answers to these questions are no, and should the current government fall in the near future, then he has left not only the MLS franchise in a precarious state, but the harm inflicted upon Canadian soccer as a whole would be beyond measure. How confident can anyone feel in Kevan Pipe, if he has to go knocking on Stephen Harper’s door to try to collect the money Paul Martin promised? If, God forbid, the Toronto MLS stadium deal falls through, would Kevan Pipe be able to win a vote of confidence from Canada’s current professional soccer franchises operating in Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto? It is an undeniable fact that Kevan Pipe has alienated himself from the Hartrells, the Kerfoots and the Saputos of Canada’s soccer community. Therefore, the big question for all of us becomes; will the start of construction on the MLS stadium precede a national election? If it doesn’t, we can all safely assume whom Kevan Pipe will be voting for. Meanwhile, amongst all the clouds of uncertainty one factor remains unchanged. The opening game for the World Youth Championship is set for July 1, 2007. Only 592 days from today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elias Posted November 16, 2005 Share Posted November 16, 2005 As much as it pains me to post this.... Can you name the president/ceo/coo of Hockey Canada? Baseball Canada? Rugby Canada? Track and Field Canada? Football Canada? Boxing Canada? Cycling Canada? Swimming Canada? Wrestling Canada? Basketball Canada? Cricket Canada? Any other sports Canada? No. You can't. Cause nobody knows who they are. How many of them have built a $70-million facility? None of them. How many of them are bringing a huge event like the WYC to Canada? None of them. (Well, okay, there is a couple events but none as big as the WYC). Incompetance? Ten years ago, the two fastest men on earth were Canadians. Did that improve track and field in this country? We've had world/gold champions in boxing, cycling, and others, have those sports improved in this country? Basketball has received so much hype in this country the past 10 years. Has it improved at all? Yes, there is a lot more the CSA should and could be doing. But lets keep a little perspective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
River City Posted November 16, 2005 Share Posted November 16, 2005 quote:Originally posted by Elias As much as it pains me to post this.... Can you name the president/ceo/coo of Hockey Canada? Baseball Canada? Rugby Canada? Track and Field Canada? Football Canada? Boxing Canada? Cycling Canada? Swimming Canada? Wrestling Canada? Basketball Canada? Cricket Canada? Any other sports Canada? No. You can't. Cause nobody knows who they are. How many of them have built a $70-million facility? None of them. How many of them are bringing a huge event like the WYC to Canada? None of them. (Well, okay, there is a couple events but none as big as the WYC). Incompetance? Ten years ago, the two fastest men on earth were Canadians. Did that improve track and field in this country? We've had world/gold champions in boxing, cycling, and others, have those sports improved in this country? Basketball has received so much hype in this country the past 10 years. Has it improved at all? Yes, there is a lot more the CSA should and could be doing. But lets keep a little perspective. I'm not as anti-Pipe as some, but can we actually credit Pipe for the WYC? Jack Warner has taken care of his own INCLUDING Canada and I believe he's the one deserving the credit for that. The basic fact is that Soccer Associations throughout the world are responsible for overseeing and developing the game within their jurisdictions, especially the men's team. All else being irrelevant, the CSA has FAILED MISERABLY in respect to the Men's program. With all resources in this country, it is pathetic that we are ranked 84th in the World and have only qualified for the World Cup once in our history. 20 years ago!!!! Kevan Pipe may not be responsible for everything that has gone wrong, but at the same time, he cannot be excused either. In any other country, He would have been relieved of his duties a long time ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ed Posted November 16, 2005 Share Posted November 16, 2005 Well he certainly led the crusade against Charmaine Hooper back in what 1999? 2000? Cutting her virtually non-existent funding for having the gall to question how things were being run with the ladies. He definitely had some responsibility in that class act. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MLSFAN Posted November 17, 2005 Share Posted November 17, 2005 quote:Originally posted by Robert Does Kevan Pipe have the moral authority to govern Canadian soccer? Kevan Pipe’s true colours are beginning to shine through very brightly. In light of the recent developments in Canadian politics and Toronto’s MLS soccer stadium saga, it is interesting to observe all the public positions that all the major players in Canada’s soccer community have taken. Would Kevan Pipe, the COO of the CSA, win a political vote of confidence within Canadian soccer circles? Today, more than ever, he appears to be that the visionless imbecile he truly is. Having placed all of Canada’s soccer eggs in one basket by going for a Toronto MLS team with federal transfer dollars as the main source of financing, has he really cleared that last hurdle, as he claims he has? With Paul Martin’s current political woes, apparently not. Since the Liberal government’s announcement to kick in $30M to build a stadium in Toronto for the upcoming 2007 World Youth Championships, Canada’s soccer leader may have wasted too much time in finding a location to build the damn thing. Finally, after dragging their heels for months looking for more handouts, Kevan Pipe and Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment were forced by the MLS to take action. Civic Council, of that Major League Sporting City pursuing a minor league franchise (quite the contradiction as soccer still holds minor league status in North America), were rushed into approving the CSA/MLSE plan. Toronto’s civic leaders even contributed a $10M blessing of their own to the happy applicants. In the process of accomplishing all that Kevan Pipe thought that was required from him to acquire the MLS franchise for Toronto, he failed to foresee any of the possible problems that could still go wrong. Does he have a written guarantee that would hold any federal Canadian government to the commitment made by the Paul Martin government? Does he already have those funds secured in a CSA bank account? If the answers to these questions are no, and should the current government fall in the near future, then he has left not only the MLS franchise in a precarious state, but the harm inflicted upon Canadian soccer as a whole would be beyond measure. How confident can anyone feel in Kevan Pipe, if he has to go knocking on Stephen Harper’s door to try to collect the money Paul Martin promised? If, God forbid, the Toronto MLS stadium deal falls through, would Kevan Pipe be able to win a vote of confidence from Canada’s current professional soccer franchises operating in Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto? It is an undeniable fact that Kevan Pipe has alienated himself from the Hartrells, the Kerfoots and the Saputos of Canada’s soccer community. Therefore, the big question for all of us becomes; will the start of construction on the MLS stadium precede a national election? If it doesn’t, we can all safely assume whom Kevan Pipe will be voting for. Meanwhile, amongst all the clouds of uncertainty one factor remains unchanged. The opening game for the World Youth Championship is set for July 1, 2007. Only 592 days from today. Sounds like you have an axe to grind. The shovels and the hole in the ground will be started by the time the next election comes. And heaven forbid if we get a conservative govt. It will set us back 30 years. Harper is scary. Like a BUSH in Disguise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john tv Posted November 17, 2005 Share Posted November 17, 2005 Some years ago there was a media conference organized by the CSA in Toronto,announcing the u-19 w.c for girls.I was at that conference and I remember very distinctly why in Canada,I could not see any big numbers at all. I am a very big supporter of girls soccer,but I had some serious doubts. Kevan was there so was Blatter and all the other big wigs.Anyway we all know what happened and I am sure that this event being so extremely succesafull in the eyes of the FIFA resulted into this upcoming event. I am also sure that this will be as great a success as the girls tournament. I know that Kevan had a lot to do with getting these two tournamnets in Canada. I also believe that the FIFA looks at this tournament as a very big vehicle to promote this game in NA and at the same time has given us the opportunity to get the MLS franchise.I just don't know why all this critisim of Kevan.We have some great young soccer players in Canada,our girls are up there with the best and our young guys played well against Spain and now Luxi.We are going in the right direction and we will be succesfull, all the signs are there and than there is this StClair kid.Wait till she gets hold of the media,hold on to your horses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john tv Posted November 17, 2005 Share Posted November 17, 2005 Oops should read Sinclair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Free kick Posted November 17, 2005 Share Posted November 17, 2005 quote:Originally posted by Elias As much as it pains me to post this.... Can you name the president/ceo/coo of Hockey Canada? Baseball Canada? Rugby Canada? Track and Field Canada? Football Canada? Boxing Canada? Cycling Canada? Swimming Canada? Wrestling Canada? Basketball Canada? Cricket Canada? Any other sports Canada? No. You can't. Cause nobody knows who they are. How many of them have built a $70-million facility? None of them. How many of them are bringing a huge event like the WYC to Canada? None of them. (Well, okay, there is a couple events but none as big as the WYC). Yes, there is a lot more the CSA should and could be doing. But lets keep a little perspective. Until recently, I didn't have a strong opinion on Kevan Pipe either way. On the one hand, yes, Canada's record in international soccer left alot to be desired and the CSA and its leadership ( for which Kevan Pipe is a part of) has to take its share of the responsibility for that. But on the other hand, I saw little correlation between a COO's and the fact that we can't score enough goals to beat Costa Rica on home soil in a key WCQ. Scoring woes have been THE major reason we haven't enjoyed more success. The players score goals not the COO. But since being at city hall for the stadium debate to watch his reaction and level of involvement in making sure that the project goes through, I have changed my views entirely. Pipe does deserve a great deal of credit. Anyone who cant see that and persists on denying him credit, is not worth giving and ounce of credibility to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
River City Posted November 17, 2005 Share Posted November 17, 2005 Ok, so everything is fine with the CSA because he lobbied for two major tourneys and got lucky on a stadium? Oooooh. That'll keep me happy when I'm watching the World Cup next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piltdownman Posted November 17, 2005 Share Posted November 17, 2005 Well I believe their just isn't such a push my the Canadian public (Us excluded) and the Canadian press for the Canadian mens team to do well. I believe that because of this the CSA has not focused on this area and instead spent their efforts on youth soccer and as of late attracting tournaments. I'm personally really against how he has handled this MLS franchise and stadium. I mean I think it is great that he got this stadium for Toronto and even that a MLS team is coming there, but feel he has showed a level of disrespect for individuals who have put alot of their own money into soccer in this country. This is a pretty petty complaint, but I really feel that he should have worded alot of what he has said differently. I also wish that he should be using his powers to push the Government to promote these two new stadiums in Vancouver and Montreal because I don't think, at least in the case of Vancouver, that it will be ready for this tournament. Of course things might change. The whitecaps have stated that they aren't going to really push their stadium until after the Grey Cup and World Juniors Hockey Tournament here. The CSA might be waiting in the wings to help the Whitecaps then, and I'll have to eat crow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Posted November 17, 2005 Author Share Posted November 17, 2005 As long as the ground in Toronto ain't been broke yet, it implies to me that Kevan Pipe hasn't received a single dollar of any of those promised federal transfere payments yet, and now that will more than likely not happen untill after a federal election takes place. People in the know have publicly stated that if a stadium is to be completed in time for the World Youth Championships in 2007, the construction of it would has to commence no later than November of 2005. If Kevan supposedly has received some or all of the funds, why has he not hired a contractor to start the work? If I were the contractor of a $60M project, I'd want at least 33 1/3% of that money up front. Again this leads me to believe that Kevan hasn't secured the money yet. If this is so, wouldn't a federal election as soon as possible be better for Toronto and the CSA, then an election in February? We haven't even started contemplating labour disputes and all the other unforeseen (by Kevan) problems that can and will arise if and when this project ever gets past the discussion phase. Doesn't Kevan have clue when the deadline for action really expires? Here's hoping to Toronto enjoying two consecutive mild winters, a speedy federal election ultimately won by the Liberals, soccer friendly labour unions, and Sepp Blatter's undying patience. How good is this man Pipe? Can he pull it all off? Please stay tuned for the exciting stretch drive to the most interesting Canadian soccer saga of all times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Posted November 17, 2005 Author Share Posted November 17, 2005 As long as the ground in Toronto ain't been broke yet, it implies to me that Kevan Pipe hasn't received a single dollar of any of those promised federal transfere payments yet, and now that will more than likely not happen untill after a federal election takes place. People in the know have publicly stated that if a stadium is to be completed in time for the World Youth Championships in 2007, the construction of it would has to commence no later than November of 2005. If Kevan supposedly has received some or all of the funds, why has he not hired a contractor to start the work? If I were the contractor of a $60M project, I'd want at least 33 1/3% of that money up front. Again this leads me to believe that Kevan hasn't secured the money yet. If this is so, wouldn't a federal election as soon as possible be better for Toronto and the CSA, then an election in February? We haven't even started contemplating labour disputes and all the other unforeseen (by Kevan) problems that can and will arise if and when this project ever gets past the discussion phase. Doesn't Kevan have clue when the deadline for action really expires? Here's hoping to Toronto enjoying two consecutive mild winters, a speedy federal election ultimately won by the Liberals, soccer friendly labour unions, and Sepp Blatter's undying patience. How good is this man Pipe? Can he pull it all off? Please stay tuned for the exciting stretch drive to the most interesting Canadian soccer saga of all times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Posted November 17, 2005 Author Share Posted November 17, 2005 Oh, by the way Elias, it's great that you follow so many sports, however I don't give a fuk about any of them. I only care about Canadian soccer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Posted November 17, 2005 Author Share Posted November 17, 2005 Oh, by the way Elias, it's great that you follow so many sports, however I don't give a fuk about any of them. I only care about Canadian soccer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan Posted November 17, 2005 Share Posted November 17, 2005 quote:Originally posted by Robert Oh, by the way Elias, it's great that you follow so many sports, however I don't give a fuk about any of them. I only care about Canadian soccer. Oh by the way Robert, we don't give a fuk about your personal Kevin Pipe hate campaign. So would you please stop starting a new thread every time your last one mercifully fades away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MLSFAN Posted November 17, 2005 Share Posted November 17, 2005 quote:Originally posted by Robert As long as the ground in Toronto ain't been broke yet, it implies to me that Kevan Pipe hasn't received a single dollar of any of those promised federal transfere payments yet, and now that will more than likely not happen untill after a federal election takes place. People in the know have publicly stated that if a stadium is to be completed in time for the World Youth Championships in 2007, the construction of it would has to commence no later than November of 2005. If Kevan supposedly has received some or all of the funds, why has he not hired a contractor to start the work? If I were the contractor of a $60M project, I'd want at least 33 1/3% of that money up front. Again this leads me to believe that Kevan hasn't secured the money yet. If this is so, wouldn't a federal election as soon as possible be better for Toronto and the CSA, then an election in February? We haven't even started contemplating labour disputes and all the other unforeseen (by Kevan) problems that can and will arise if and when this project ever gets past the discussion phase. Doesn't Kevan have clue when the deadline for action really expires? Here's hoping to Toronto enjoying two consecutive mild winters, a speedy federal election ultimately won by the Liberals, soccer friendly labour unions, and Sepp Blatter's undying patience. How good is this man Pipe? Can he pull it all off? Please stay tuned for the exciting stretch drive to the most interesting Canadian soccer saga of all times. As stated by MLSE and City of Toronto ground breaking is January. Whats so difficcult for you to understand, or do you have some kind of ANTI Toronto agenda? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MLSFAN Posted November 17, 2005 Share Posted November 17, 2005 quote:Originally posted by Robert Oh, by the way Elias, it's great that you follow so many sports, however I don't give a fuk about any of them. I only care about Canadian soccer. If you cared about soccer in Canada why hate on Toronto for bringing pro soccer to Toronto? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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