Parents demand explanation after late disqualification
Parents of the Saanich Fusion U17 boys soccer team are calling on BC Soccer for a clear explanation after the team and their opposition, Okanagan FC, were disqualified from the provincial championships in Nanaimo the day before the scheduled final.
The incident centres on a 1-1 draw played on Saturday, July 11, in a round-robin fixture that organisers said did not affect championship standings because both teams had already qualified for the final. Both sides were due to meet again in the final on Sunday.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 11 | Round-robin game ends 1-1 |
| July 12 | Both teams informed of disqualification |
Families say they were not told why
Parents and players say they were not given a reason for the disqualification. Several Saanich parents described the emotional impact on players, with one parent saying it was hard to watch the children that Sunday morning.
“They were crying on the Sunday morning, like it was very difficult to watch them,”
Parent Torsten Ely recounted receiving the notification while travelling up the Malahat and said he had been looking forward to watching his son play. Parents told media they were not provided a formal explanation by BC Soccer despite requests.
Video footage fuels controversy
A video circulated online shows what some viewers described as a lacklustre effort from both sides during the Saturday match. The footage appears to show players lightly contesting the ball while match officials are visible, and it has drawn criticism on social media and among some parents.
Parents quoted in reporting said they were told by tournament organisers that less intensive play had been permitted to reduce the risk of injury ahead of the final. They added that BC Soccer representatives were present throughout the match.
“BC Soccer officials were standing on the roof, observing the game, smiling. There was a 90-minute game, no one stopped the two teams and said ‘Hey, you are doing something wrong,’”
Questions about process and accountability
The parents’ account raises questions about the decision-making process and communication by the sport’s governing body. Key points for Saanich residents and the local youth-sport community include:
- Why BC Soccer made the disqualification decision and whether a formal explanation has been issued;
- Whether tournament officials or match referees raised concerns during or immediately after the Saturday fixture;
- What appeal or review process is available to the affected teams and families.
Parents are now seeking an appeal and greater transparency from BC Soccer. The outcome will affect not only the immediate sporting results but also trust between families, clubs and the sport’s governing body in the region.
Requests to BC Soccer for comment were reported by local media; as of the latest reports, families say they have not received a satisfactory public explanation. The matter remains under discussion among parents, club officials and provincial soccer administrators.
