Groups appeal court ruling in attempt to reinstate Alberta Soccer president

A group of Alberta regional soccer associations is not giving up a court battle to get the suspended president of Alberta Soccer reinstated.

In November, JR Figueiredo was suspended for five years for workplace harassment.

A third-party investigation concluded he made verbal threats about an employee and created a hostile work environment.

Four soccer groups, including the Calgary Women’s Soccer Association, Edmonton Minor Soccer Association, St. Albert Soccer Association and Battle River Soccer Association, want the suspension lifted, arguing the provincial body didn’t follow its own bylaws when suspending Figueiredo.

On March 4, they lost a bid in Edmonton’s Court of King’s Bench to overturn the suspension.

Judge Stephanie Wanke also ordered the four local soccer groups to cover the Alberta Soccer Association’s court costs.

But now, their lawyers have filed a notice of appeal.

The hearing is set for May 15 at King’s Bench in Edmonton.

‘Lacks any merit’: Alberta Soccer

An Alberta Soccer memo obtained by CTV News states the appeal will be vigorously opposed.

The memo, dated March 24, is addressed to Alberta Soccer’s membership, which includes local amateur clubs across the province, including 81,000 registered players.

“The ASA believes the appeal, and its underlying originating application, lack any merit. The appeal will be vigorously opposed,” states the memo.

The memo also states the appellants are not only seeking to reinstate Figueredo as president but also to compel the ASA to direct the abuse and harassment complaint to an ASA discipline panel instead of the organization’s board of directors.

National soccer body monitoring situation

CTV News has asked Canada Soccer for comment on the latest developments in this case.

We have not heard back, but in December, TSN reported the national body is following the situation.

“Canada Soccer is aware of this provincial matter and is monitoring to ensure the Alberta Soccer Association complies with its obligations as a Canada Soccer member,” a spokesperson wrote to TSN.