Canada Soccer makes late change to international transfer window, leaving CPL clubs and players 'disappointed'

A late decision by Canada Soccer has left players, agents, clubs and league officials across the CPL feeling surprised and disappointed.

As first reported by OneSoccer's Gareth Wheeler, people across the league were informed on June 28 that the international transfer window for Canadian clubs was being moved from July 5th — the date originally set at the beginning of the year — to July 18th, the idea being to align with the MLS window. July 12th has been selected as the new date following discussions between the league and federation.

The decision by Canada Soccer, which was not communicated to CPL clubs ahead of time, has left many feeling disgruntled. The Wanderers Notebook was able to confirm Wheeler's reporting and has spoken to multiple sources across the league. All said the news was unexpected and had real implications as half of the CPL clubs had signed players in anticipation of the window opening but then had to tell those players they wouldn't be eligible to play. The result is clubs and agents had to scramble to understand the change while the league negotiated a new date to mitigate the time players would miss. One source summed up the situation as "disappointing," adding the move was made to accommodate MLS clubs without proper consideration being given to the CPL.

Canada Soccer was approached for comment but has not yet replied.

Cover Photo Credit: Canadian Premier League