VANCOUVER - About 100 Vancouver Whitecaps supporters protested outside the FIFA Congress on Thursday, calling for the Major League Soccer club to remain in the city. The demonstration came days after the club disclosed difficulty finding a buyer committed to keeping the team in Vancouver, citing stadium economics, venue access, and revenue limitations.
The Whitecaps, founded in 1974 and winners of the 1979 NASL title, reached both the MLS Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup finals last season. Las Vegas and Phoenix are reportedly leading candidates to host the team if it relocates. The club's lease at BC Place expires at year's end. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has urged the provincial government to negotiate a bridge deal for the stadium while a new venue is planned.
On the field, Vancouver sits second in the Western Conference with 24 points from nine matches.