August 29 – Some people have buildings named after them, some put their names on their buildings, some have streets named after them. Very few have a day designated to them. Not even FIFA super-supremo Gianni Infantino or US president Donald Trump, have that.
Victor Montagliani, president of Concacaf, vice president of FIFA and a proud Canadian from an Italian immigrant family in Vancouver has been given his own day in his home town.
In recognition of his leadership in developing football in Canada, Concacaf and through multiple roles on FIFA committees from its reform committee to its stakeholders forum, the honor was proclaimed by Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim.
“Victor’s story is a Vancouver story. From growing up in East Van to helping secure Canada as a co-host nation for the FIFA World Cup 2026, he has shown what’s possible when passion meets leadership. September 12 is our chance to celebrate not just his achievements, but also the inspiration he has given to young athletes and to our city as a whole,” said Sim.
Since his election to the presidency of Concacaf in 2016, Montagliani has been a key powerbroker in world football, starting with the turnaround of his Concacaf federation both financially and reputationally following the 2015 US Department of Justice assault on FIFA.
Before then he delivered the 2015 Women’s World Cup to Canada, the real start of the growth and professionalisation of that competition, and followed that up with the pivotal roles in harnessing Concacaf and federations worldwide in securing the 2026 men’s World Cup with Canada as co-hosts alongside Mexico and the USA.
Vancouver will host seven matches in June and July 2026 at the World Cup, while Toronto will host six.
“Having a day dedicated in my name is an unimaginable and deeply humbling honor that I will treasure forever,” said Montagliani. “This moment would not be possible without the unwavering support I’ve received over the years from my parents, wife, and daughters, and from the entire football community in Canada. My goal has always been to give back by making a positive and measurable impact on our game and our nation in every way possible. I can assure you I will remain relentless in that mission.”
A true football person, Montagliani would probably give all the honours and plaudits up if the Canadian team delivered the seemingly impossible in 2026. For that he will need a coach with plan or for current coach, American Jesse Marsch, to find one.
But forget that, looks like it is everyone to Vancouver on September 12. Victor is buying,
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1756477771labto1756477771ofdlr1756477771owedi1756477771sni@n1756477771osloh1756477771cin.l1756477771uap1756477771
Source link
Add Comment