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FIFA Vice President Calls Relocating Vancouver Whitecaps 'a Crime'

He warned that relocating the MLS club would tarnish Vancouver's reputation after hosting matches during next year's World Cup.

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Signage for the official brand and new #WeAre26 awareness campaign, as a host city for FIFA World Cup 2026, photographed at BMO Field in Toronto, on Thursday, May 18, 2023.

Overview

  • Victor Montagliani made his remarks at a Vancouver Board of Trade event marking the one-year countdown to the 2026 tournament.
  • The Whitecaps were put up for sale in December by owners Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett and Steve Nash, prompting relocation speculation.
  • Club CEO Axel Schuster confirmed that discussions with the City of Vancouver for a soccer-specific stadium are tied to the team’s sale.
  • Vancouver is set to host seven matches during the 2026 World Cup at an upgraded BC Place featuring a new grass pitch and enhanced facilities.
  • Tournament organizers estimate hosting costs at between $483 million and $581 million with a projected net expense of $100 million to $145 million.