2023 Canada Cup Finalists To Be Awarded after cancellation
VANCOUVER – Following the cancellation of the medal games of the 2023 Football Canada Cup in Edmonton due to air quality concerns in July, Football Canada’s Board of Directors has determined that both Saskatchewan and Quebec will receive gold medals as co-champions. Ontario and Alberta will each be awarded bronze medals for reaching the third-place game.
Football Canada President Jim Mullin said, “While this is not the ideal conclusion to a national championship, we want to recognize the achievements of the athletes first and foremost. In my many conversations with parents and coaches who have sacrificed money and time to support the aspirations of these athletes, it’s clear that we need to celebrate their achievements rather than declare these games a no contest.”
The Football Canada competition committee will determine the rankings of all eight provincial teams as they move forward into the 2024 competition season. Future major tournaments managed by Football Canada will ensure contingency plans well before the opening kickoff.
Mullin emphasized, “While we have elements that are well beyond our control, we need to be prepared in every way possible to support our athletes and the investment families make to ensure they can play and showcase themselves for future opportunities.”
Competition officials closely monitored the situation from Commonwealth Stadium and adjoining Clarke Stadium on the final day of scheduled games. At 7:45 pm local time, when the gold medal final had initially been scheduled for a 7 pm kickoff, and with the air quality health index still at 11, or “very high risk” based on the Environment Canada and Health Canada grading system, the remainder of the competition was officially cancelled.
“We fully support the decision of the Football Canada staff and the Local Organizing Committee to cancel the games. The health and safety of our participants was paramount,” Mullin said.
Details regarding the distribution of the medals to the recipients will be announced in the coming days.
