Concacaf President Victor Montagliani Honored with Inaugural CPL Builders Award | OneFootball

Ottawa, Ontario — The Canadian Premier League (CPL) has honored Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani with the inaugural CPL Builders Award, recognizing his lifelong dedication to advancing football in Canada and across the Concacaf region.

The new award celebrates individuals whose leadership and vision have made a lasting impact on the growth and development of the Canadian Premier League. Montagliani, who was instrumental in the CPL’s creation and early development, was recognized ahead of the 2025 CPL Final in Ottawa, Ontario, between Atletico Ottawa and Cavalry FC, and at the League’s Awards Gala at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec.

Champion for Canadian Football

Before the CPL’s official launch in 2019 and while serving as President of the Canadian Soccer Association, Montagliani and his vision played a central role in introducing a completely new mindset to Canadian football. He helped shift the sport toward a business-oriented approach, creating meaningful on-field opportunities for both women and men players and coaches, and off-field growth for administrators, as well as the development of new partnerships and facilities. His continued advocacy led to successful bidding for and hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015.

While serving in international leadership roles with Concacaf and FIFA, Montagliani has remained a steadfast supporter of Canadian football. His leadership was instrumental in securing Canada as a co-host nation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside the United States and Mexico.

Guided by a football-first philosophy and commitment to his country, Montagliani has elevated Canada onto the international football stage, carrying the nation’s flag to places it had never been before.

“I am deeply humbled by this award. When we first set out to launch a professional men’s football league in Canada, it was simply a dream. Today, years later, we have collectively built something truly special—something that has permanently transformed this beautiful sport in Canada,” said Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani.

“And this is only the beginning. With the FIFA World Cup approaching next summer and a women’s league now fully underway, we can proudly say that football has become an industry in Canada, creating opportunities both on and off the field. The future of football in our country holds limitless possibilities,” he added.