Both the Whitecaps and Canada Soccer quietly parted ways with the coach in 2008. The group of former players is now calling for an investigation into events that year and demanding both the Whitecaps and Canada Soccer implement better harassment policies. Vancouver Whitecaps fans wave flags during the team's match against Toronto FC at B.C. Soon after leaving Canada Soccer and the Whitecaps, Birarda started coaching teenage girls at the Tsawwassen Soccer Club, and later at South Surrey's Coastal FC. Whitecaps respondThe Whitecaps responded in a lengthy letter posted on Wednesday afternoon, writing "there is no higher priority at Vancouver Whitecaps than the safety and well-being of our staff and athletes."

Source: CBC News April 17, 2019 17:26 UTC