CF Montreal Owner Joey Saputo Announces Club Sale, Refuses to Rule Out Relocation
After more than three decades of ownership, Joey Saputo has confirmed his family is looking to sell CF Montreal. The emotional announcement included an admission that the MLS franchise could potentially be relocated.
On Monday afternoon, CF Montreal owner Joey Saputo announced that his family is officially looking to sell the Major League Soccer (MLS) club. Saputo, who has owned the Quebecois side for over three decades, delivered the breaking news during an emotional press conference, notably refusing to rule out a future relocation of the franchise.
An Emotional End to a Three-Decade Era
The announcement marks a significant turning point in the history of CF Montreal. Joey Saputo, the founder of the club, has been the driving force behind the organisation for more than 30 years. During Monday's press conference, the long-time owner paused multiple times to fight back tears as he addressed the media regarding his family's impending exit from the franchise.
Despite the emotional weight of the announcement, Saputo clarified that the move was heavily considered rather than a sudden reaction to immediate pressures.
"This decision is neither driven by urgency, nor dictated by circumstance,"
He further elaborated on the strategic reasoning behind stepping away from the MLS club at this specific juncture, stating:
"It’s the result of a careful and deliberate reflection on where we stand today, and more importantly, on the opportunities that lie ahead for the club."
Relocation Fears Loom Over Montreal
While Saputo confirmed that his family is officially "initiating a structured sale process", the ultimate fate of the team remains highly uncertain. A major point of concern following Monday's press conference is the geographical future of the club.
When addressing the media, Saputo explicitly refused to rule out relocation for the club. This admission leaves the door open for potential new ownership to move the MLS franchise out of Quebec once the structured sale process formally concludes.
As the Saputo family prepares to hand over the reins of the club they established over three decades ago, the upcoming sale process will dictate whether CF Montreal remains a fixture in its founding city or begins a new chapter elsewhere.