B.C. Premier David Eby said talks with Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber on the Vancouver Whitecaps' future were "constructive," as relocation concerns grow.
Garber is in Vancouver for FIFA Congress events and met with Eby on Wednesday, following reports that the league has discussed relocating the club, with Las Vegas a leading option.
Eby released a video Wednesday night saying the province is "at the table fighting hard" to keep the team in Vancouver.
"We have the World Cup coming, we are a world-class football town — losing the Whitecaps is not an option," the premier said.
"I saw the shots of the fans out at the rally to save the Whitecaps. We are on the same side; we will fight hard to save our team."
Hours later, a now-deleted post from Garber’s X account replied: "Liar liar pants on fire."
A league spokesperson later said the commissioner's account was hacked.
The province has offered financial concessions tied to BC Place Stadium, but has ruled out buying the team.
Following his meeting with Garber, Eby told reporters the province would not transfer control of the provincially owned venue to the Whitecaps to stabilize the club’s finances, adding the team has shown no interest in that option.
The premier said he plans to meet with the MLS commissioner again.
Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito