Alberta soccer controversy headed to court

A controversy surrounding the suspended president of the Alberta Soccer Association is headed to court.

Last month, the association suspended JR Figueiredo for five years after a workplace harassment investigation.

The investigation concluded Figueiredo made verbal threats and vexatious comments about an employee, interfered with staff operations and created a negative or hostile work environment.

CTV News has obtained court documents filed by four Alberta soccer organizations that are asking an Edmonton judge to overturn the suspension on Dec. 9.

They argue proper procedure and bylaws were not followed.

They want a judge to rule before a scheduled virtual meeting the night of Dec. 9 for all Alberta soccer groups to discuss the decision.

The groups making the court application are the Edmonton Minor Soccer Association, St. Albert Soccer Association, Battle River Soccer Association and the Calgary Women’s Soccer Association.

The former president has also appealed his suspension.