CF Montréal’s Director of Soccer Operations Olivier Renard Resigns Amid Salary Dispute

Olivier Renard, the Director of Soccer Operations at CF Montréal, has officially resigned from his position, following an ongoing salary dispute within the club. Renard’s departure, confirmed by multiple sources including X and The Athletic, comes amid tensions with club owner Joey Saputo.

The disagreement was exacerbated by the handling of the Mathieu Choinière contract negotiations. Renard was in favor of honoring Choinière’s salary demands of around $600,000, while higher-ups vetoed the move, offering significantly less at $350,000. These figures were disclosed by Christine Roger of Radio-Canada.

Speculation points to Saputo as the driving force behind the decision, raising questions about the hierarchy within the club. President Gabriel Gervais, an advocate for fielding local talent, may not have been the source of the directive.

Renard, during his tenure, emphasized the importance of Canadian and Québécois players within the team. Despite some shortcomings in player development, he significantly amplified the inclusion of local talents, evident in match selections and accolades received by players like Choinière and Jonathan Sirois.

Following Renard’s departure, Choinière’s future at CF Montréal hangs in the balance, with a potential trade looming on the horizon.

In response to Renard’s resignation, head coach Wilfried Nandy indirectly felt the repercussions of the leadership shakeup, demonstrating a sense of discomfort when queried about the unfolding situation post-match.

The exit of Renard, who played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s sporting strategy, poses significant challenges for CF Montréal. Under his guidance, the club navigated successful player transactions and cultivated a reputation as a stepping stone to European leagues.

Vassili Cremanzidis, Renard’s deputy known for his financial acumen, may step into the void left by Renard’s departure, although uncertainties shroud the club’s future direction in the absence of stable leadership.