The suspended president of the Alberta Soccer Association tells CTV News he is “relieved” allegations of harassment will now be heard by an independent panel. 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, wanted the suspension lifted, arguing the provincial body didn’t follow its own bylaws when suspending Figueiredo. They went to court and lost their argument. The judge also ordered the four groups to pay Alberta Soccer’s court costs. They have since appealed that decision. Independent body will now hear case Last weekend, delegates at Alberta Soccer’s annual general meeting in Edmonton forced the issue onto the agenda, against the board’s wishes. Delegates then voted to have the case heard by an independent panel, while keeping the suspension in place. “I’m genuinely relieved by Saturday’s outcome,” said Figueiredo in a statement to CTV News. “It’s not over, but this step to ensure this matter is heard by an independent body is exactly the kind of fair, proper process I have been asking for from the beginning.” Five new members of the Alberta Soccer board were also elected, leaving only one member from the previous board in place. The previous board has stated that it acted to suspend Figueiredo last year for several reasons, including the severity of the alleged conduct, a legal obligation to ensure a safe workplace and to preserve insurance coverage. New process details not released Details on how and when the body will be chosen haven’t been released by Alberta Soccer. A request for information from CTV News to Alberta Soccer’s communications department has not been answered. Figueiredo is also waiting for that information. “The details of timing and how the independent body will be selected are in the hands of the board, but I am prepared and eager to engage fully and openly when that process begins,” he said. “What matters most right now is that we get back to putting all of our focus on the kids and the game as soon as possible. Nothing is more important than the young people ASA exists to serve.” Court case questions It’s not known at this point how the case before the courts will be affected by the new process. When asked if the appeal by the four local soccer organizations against the suspension will proceed or be abandoned, Ed Picard, lawyer for the groups, told CTV News, “We don’t have any comment regarding the appeal at this time.” The appeal hearing is still scheduled for May 15 in the civil justice chambers of the Court of King’s Bench in Edmonton, according to Alberta Justice. Investigation concluded Figueiredo harassed complainant The harassment complaint against Figueiredo was made in August 2025. An independent investigator found he “went far beyond what is acceptable in the workplace.” The investigation was conducted by the human resources firm Veritas Solutions. A summary of the final report, dated Nov. 17, 2025, obtained by CTV News, found Figueiredo made verbal threats and vexatious comments about an employee, interfered with staff operations, directed an employee to withhold information, spread rumours about an employee’s competence and created a negative or hostile work environment. At the time, Figueiredo appealed his suspension. The ASA has said Alberta Occupational Health and Safety is monitoring the situation. Canada Soccer has also said it is aware of the matter and is monitoring it.
