A soccer feud between several soccer directors has come at a cost to young players in Alberta. And unless the feuding sides can come to an agreement on their own, a decision may have to be made by an Edmonton judge.
The head of Edmonton's Minor Soccer Association and the VP with the Alberta Soccer Association says the dispute comes down to abiding the rules off the soccer field.
Mario Charpentier says that five districts haven't paid its fees to the Alberta Soccer Association so the teams cannot host tournaments. In order for the teams to be able to compete, the fees must be paid first.
"The bylaws of the Alberta Soccer Association say quite clear, you must pay your fee to the association," he said.
But according to the lawyer of some of the districts in question, the fees have been paid. Charpentier insists the fees have not been paid and blames it on personality conflicts.
"If they are leaders in their district, decide they don't like the board of directors, and they want to pay to a lawyer, it's their decision not mine."
The dispute has led to medals being withheld and tournament location to be changes at the last minute.
"It's just kind of childish for them to be arguing about our soccer," said soccer player Madeline Belter whose U-16 team is headed for provincials.
The groups are trying to settle the dispute over provincials and decide on an interim group to run the Alberta Soccer Association with the help of lawyers.
If they can't come up with their own deal, the dispute will be in the hands of a judge Friday morning.
With files from Laura Tupper
