OTTAWA — Football Canada appointed Eva Havaris as its chief executive officer Wednesday.

Havaris will assume her new role June 8.

She joins amateur football’s national governing body with over 20 years of experience as a sport executive. That includes time spent as the CEO of Equestrian Canada and Taekwondo Canada as well as senior vice-president of Tennis Canada.

Havaris also served in a founding executive role with the Canadian Premier League.

“I am honoured to join Football Canada at such a pivotal time,” Havaris said in a statement. “This is a significant and energizing moment for Football Canada and for the future of the sport in this country.

“The opportunity ahead is clear — to strengthen and align the national football system, support athletes, coaches, officials, and member organizations across Canada, and help position the country for success as flag football enters the Olympic Games.”

Canada’s national men’s and women’s flag football teams will both chase berths to the 2028 Summer Games when they participate in the world championships in Germany.

The top two men’s and women’s teams in Germany will garner Olympic berths. If the United States reaches either final, the top-three squads will advance as the Americans already have a spot as host. Flag Football will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles.

While at Taekwondo Canada, Havaris led the organization through the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic cycle. And as CEO of Equestrian Canada, she guided the national federation and Canada’s equestrian program through the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 29, 2026.