<\/p>\n
The Olympic champions are in a group including Australia, Ireland and Nigeria for the tournament, which kicks off on July 20.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They face the Matildas, in what is set to be the group’s defining match, in Melbourne on July 31<\/p>\n
Among the favourites to lift the trophy, the Canadians have been rocked by an ongoing labour dispute between governing body Canada Soccer and the country’s national teams.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Canadian women’s team\u00a0recently escalated their protest over pay-equity issues when they wore purple shirts reading ‘Enough is enough’ ahead of their match against the USA in the SheBelievesCup.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“While I have been one of the biggest proponents of equalising the competitive performance environment for our Women’s National Team, I will unfortunately not be leading this organisation when it happens,” Bontis, who had been president since November 2020, said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“I acknowledge that this moment requires change.”<\/p>\n
The women’s national team’s last agreement with Canada Soccer expired in 2021 while the men – who formed their own players’ association last August – are negotiating their first formal deal.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Both programs say their budget is being cut.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n