TORONTO — Canadian Soccer Business has named former Football Australia CEO James Johnson to its newly created position of group chief executive officer.
CSB, whose investor group and board includes the Canadian Premier League owners, looks after marketing and broadcast rights for both Canada Soccer and the CPL, now in its seventh season.
Johnson, who is set to start later this summer, will help fill the void left by the departure of Mark Noonan, who doubled as CPL commissioner and CEO of Canadian Soccer Business.
Johnson's appointment comes one day after it was announced that Noonan was stepping down at the end of June, after which he will serve as a consultant.
Johnson spent the last 5 1/2 years leading Football Australia. He previously worked for FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation and City Football Group.
CSB has come under criticism in recent years with Canada players complaining that its deal with Canada Soccer is holding the game back and preventing national teams from getting the preparation they need.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 22, 2025
The Canadian Press
