'Bigger deal in the media': CanMNT's Marsch on Concacaf disciplinary proceedings

For the first time since Concacaf announced that it had initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Canadian Soccer Association and Jesse Marsch, the Canadian men's national team manager spoke to the media on Friday afternoon. 

On Wednesday, Concacaf revealed they were investigating the Canadian coach, for allegedly  "disregarding regulations applicable to suspended match officials and [using] offensive language toward Concacaf match officials." 

Ahead of Canada's second match of the Concacaf Gold Cup against Curaçao on Saturday (7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on OneSoccer, TSN) at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas, Marsch made it abundantly clear that he only wanted to speak about the game. 

"There's a process that's in place, I want to respect the process," said Marsch. "Canada Soccer put out a statement, I can only say that Canada Soccer has been amazing in supporting me through this, and I really appreciate that. 

"I don't want to take away from the team right now and the ability for the team to be totally focused on the match tomorrow and this tournament. We've talked about it internally, and we know that'll be the case. So that's where we're focused. So let's keep the questions about football." '

Canada Soccer's statement on the incident, released on Thursday, read as follows. "We received a notice from Concacaf and are currently gathering the relevant information for our submission as part of the process to resolve this matter." No further details have been publicly revealed. 

Marsch is currently serving a two-match touchline ban after being sent off in the 2024-25 Concacaf Nations League third-place match against the United States in March. He was not on the bench for Canada's dominant tournament-opening 6-0 victory over Honduras, but is currently slated to return following Saturday's game against Curaçao. 

"I said to them that they don't need me on the bench right now," said Marsch. "They're clear, and that Honduras game, I think, proved that. But that was one match. We're really focused on this game with Curaçao. Maybe we could address some questions about this game." 

For his part, veteran Canadian full-back Richie Laryea said that it isn't something the group are focused very much on right now. For them, it is about focusing on another big match against what will be difficult opponent on Saturday. 

"We have a very close-knit united group," said Laryea. "There's not, I won't even use the word 'much'. I won't say there's anything that can get in between this group. So I think we do a good job of that, and obviously supporting each other whenever need be. But I don't think this is going to do anything to the group. I think we've been built up pretty well to know that there will be adversity at times, and we know how to deal with it." 

"I think it's a much bigger deal in the media than it is internally," added Marsch. 

Still, it is sure to remain a story leading up to the match. Canada currently sit atop the tournament's Group B. A win on Saturday against Curaçao would clinch them a spot in the knockout rounds.