James Johnson accepts leading role in Canadian soccer following exit from Football Australia
It hasn’t taken long for former Football Australia chief executive James Johnson to find another job in the sport he loves.
The chance to foster growth in football off the back of a World Cup for a second time was a key factor in ex-Football Australia chief executive officer James Johnson’s decision to accept a similar position with Canadian Soccer Business.
Johnson’s resignation from FA earlier this month after more than five years in charge shocked the Australian football fraternity; however, the 43-year-old sports administrator hasn’t dwelled on his departure, being quick to accept an offer from Canada.
Canadian Soccer Business describes itself as an “independent commercial agency that offers a suite of representation services, delivering corporate partnerships, sponsorships and media rights for entities that make up the backbone of soccer” in Canada.
Johnson’s role reportedly also includes being the boss of the Canadian Premier League.
However, the chance to have an impact on next year’s FIFA World Cup, which Canada is co-hosting with the US and Mexico, perhaps had the greatest appeal for Johnson – who was a driving force behind the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand – in taking the CSB job.
“This is a big opportunity for Canadian soccer,” Johnson said on Thursday night on the Gold Coast, where he was awarded Bond University’s most prestigious accolade, the Alumni Medal. “We’ve seen what these big tournaments can do for local football with the success of the women’s World Cup here in 2023 and the Matildas.
“These tournaments are so much more than a month of great competition. They’re an opportunity to leverage and promote growth (in the sport).”
Johnson told The Canadian Press that football was “heading north very fast” in Canada.
“(There are) great participation numbers, a new professional game on the men’s side and the women’s as well and two outstanding national teams,” he said.
“It’s a very good time for Canada, and I’m really excited to be part of that.”
Johnson was also honoured to receive his Bond University accolade.
“I had a pretty intense two years here, and it brings back a lot of good memories. To receive this award is so exciting,” he said.
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