Toronto FC captain Osorio calls Herdman’s resignation as coach an ‘unfortunate situation’

John Herdman’s decision to step down as Toronto FC coach has left many feeling disappointed, including club captain Jonathan Osorio. Herdman announced his resignation on Nov. 29, stating that it was the right time for him to move on as the organization defines its vision for the future. Osorio described the situation as unfortunate, acknowledging that Herdman had been excited about taking on the role and had enjoyed his time at Toronto FC.

The departure of Herdman was closely tied to the Canada Soccer investigation into the drone-spying scandal at the Paris Olympics, which led to the dismissal of women’s coach Bev Priestman, assistant coach Jasmine Mander, and analyst Joey Lombardi from their positions at Canada Soccer. All three individuals are currently serving one-year suspensions from FIFA, with Lombardi having resigned from his role at Canada Soccer shortly after the Olympics.

Speaking about Herdman’s decision, Osorio commented that he believed it was a difficult choice for him to make, considering the circumstances surrounding the scandal. He suggested that Herdman likely felt compelled to do what was best for himself and the club, ultimately leading to his resignation.

The Canadian international midfielder made these remarks after participating in a PlayStation event, where he and fans attempted to kick balls at targets resembling PlayStation controller buttons on a goal. The event was part of PlayStation’s “Play Has No Limits” campaign, showcasing Osorio’s love for gaming, particularly the EA Sports FC soccer franchise.

Herdman, a former coach for both the Canada women’s and men’s teams, has been implicated in a culture of spying within Canada Soccer. Reports indicate that Herdman did not cooperate with an independent review conducted by Sonia Regenbogen into the Olympic incident and related historical matters, further fueling speculation about his involvement in the scandal.

A FIFA Appeals Committee ruling earlier this year highlighted Herdman’s role in the spying controversy, suggesting that the use of drones to gather information on rival teams may have originated from his time as head coach of the women’s national team. Canada Soccer hinted at Herdman’s involvement in starting this practice, which was allegedly continued by Bev Priestman.

Despite the allegations and scrutiny, Herdman has remained relatively silent on the matter, only stating that such activities were not carried out during major events like the FIFA World Cup or Olympic Games. Osorio, a dedicated gamer himself, emphasized the significance of gaming in his life, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when PlayStation played a vital role in connecting people.

In conclusion, the void left by John Herdman’s departure from Toronto FC has raised questions about the culture of spying within Canada Soccer and the impact it has had on the sport. As investigations continue and the club looks towards the future, it remains to be seen how this unfortunate situation will shape the team’s trajectory moving forward.