James Johnson, Ex-Football Australia CEO, Tapped as Head of Canadian Soccer Business
TORONTO — The Canadian Soccer Business and the Canadian Premier League have appointed a new leader and revamped their management framework, bringing aboard England-born Australian James (JJ) Johnson as the group’s chief executive officer.
This brings about the hope for a fresh and enhanced relationship with Canada Soccer.
During Johnson’s tenure over the past 5½ years as the CEO ofFootball Australia, the controlling body for soccer in the country, he oversawAustralia’s joint hosting of the Women’s World Cup. TheMatildas reached the semifinals, where they defeatedCanada 4-0 along their run.
He formerly held the position of Senior Vice-President of External Affairs at the City Football Group (a global organization managing 13 clubs such as Manchester City, New York City FC, and Melbourne City). He also acted as FIFA’s Head of Professional Football where he collaborated closely with Canadian Victor Montagliani. Additionally, he was involved in International Relations and Development at the Asian Football Confederation and took on the role of Player Relations Executive at Professional Footballers Australia, which represents Australian players.
Johnson’s appointment was revealed just a day following the announcement that Mark Noonan, who concurrently serves as both the commissioner of the CPL and the CEO of Canadian Soccer Business, would be resigning effective June 30. After this date, Noonan, who plans to return to his home in the United States, will continue his involvement as a consultant.
CSB, which counts among its investors and board members the owners of the Canadian Premier League, handles the marketing and broadcasting rights for both Canada Soccer and the CPL. The league is currently in its seventh season.
Johnson, who is set to begin work later in the summer, will oversee both the CSB and CPL. An additional hiring is anticipated for someone to manage the league’s daily operations, under Johnson’s supervision.
On Friday, from his location in Brisbane, Johnson mentioned that he will definitely concentrate on the business aspect,” he stated. “This presents an excellent chance due to CSB owning the rights to both the CPL and the Canadian national teams for men and women. There are prospects for expanding broadcasting, attracting sponsorships, along with managing the operations of the league.
We need to position ourselves to capitalize on these chances.
Johnson, a dad of three who celebrated his 43rd birthday on Wednesday, mentioned being enticed by the prospect of working in Canada — “an incredible nation with wonderful people” — and by the highly appealing future opportunities presented by hosting the World Cup in 2026.
This nation is seeing football rapidly move northward at an impressive pace,” he stated. “Impressive levels of engagement. Both the men’s and women’s divisions now have professional leagues. Plus, we’ve got these exceptional national squads. … This is a prime moment for Canada. I’m genuinely thrilled to be a part of this journey.
In recent years, CSB has faced significant criticism as Canadian players—enjoying unprecedented success on the pitch since the pact was made—have voiced concerns that its arrangement with Canada Soccer hinders progress. They argue that this agreement impedes national teams from receiving adequate preparation and necessary support.
It is estimated that Canada Soccer receives approximately $4 million annually under the present CSB agreement as “the recipient of a rights fee guarantee.” This sum sees an increase of around $500,000 every year approaching the World Cup.
Negotiations to revise the current agreement have been prolonged. Coincidently, discussions between Canada Soccer and its players regarding labor issues have also stalled.
Consequently, the CSB role carries something of a black-hat connotation. Johnson aims to shift this perception by seeking “mutually beneficial outcomes with stakeholders to foster growth within the sport.”
We need collaboration among these organizations,” he stated, referring to Canada Soccer and the CSB. “They must discover methods to achieve what I’d describe as two becoming greater than the sum of its parts—essentially tripling their impact. This will promote the expansion of soccer and increase earnings.
I will prioritize collaboration. It’s my method, and I believe my history demonstrates this well. I’m really excited about partnering with CEO Kevin Blue and the entire Canada Soccer team to enhance the existing agreement as much as possible.
Canada Soccer extended their congratulations to James for his new CEO position,” stated the organization succinctly. “Kevin remembers James from his tenure at Football Australia and is eager to collaborate with him and his team.
During Johnson’s tenure at the helm of Football Australia, the organization delegated the management of the A-League for both men and women leagues. This move distanced Football Australia, which acts as the governing body, from directly operating the country’s professional domestic circuit.
Johnson, who has an English father and an Australian mother, was born in England. The family relocated to Australia when he was just an infant.
As a midfielder/winger, he played for Australia at the junior levels and was part of Boston University’s soccer team from 2002 to 2006 on a scholarship. Following a short professional stint with Brisbane Strikers, his local club, and Da Nang FC in Vietnam, he went on to obtain his law degree.
“I recognized that my prime years wouldn’t be spent on the field,” he remarked wryly.
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The report from The Canadian Press was initially released on May 22, 2025.
Neil Davidson, from The Canadian Press