Vancouver FC and Head Coach Afshin Ghotbi have mutually agreed to part ways after two and a half seasons, marking the end of a foundational chapter in the club’s young history. This decision follows strategic conversations between Ghotbi and club leadership, shaped by a mutual understanding of the structural and resource constraints currently influencing Vancouver FC’s long-term ambitions.
As the club’s first-ever head coach, Ghotbi was more than a tactician, he was an architect. He laid the groundwork for Vancouver FC’s playing philosophy, organizational culture, and developmental identity, setting a strong foundation that will carry the club forward.
“Launching a professional football club from scratch is no easy feat,” said Vancouver FC President Rob Friend. “Afshin’s leadership, vision, and professionalism were critical in getting us off the ground. He leaves behind a legacy of commitment and excellence, and we thank him for helping build the DNA of Vancouver FC.”
A Global Coach, A Local Impact
A veteran on the world stage, Ghotbi brought decades of international experience to the Canadian Premier League, includes:
- Three FIFA World Cups (USA 1998, South Korea 2002, 2006)
- A league championship with Iran’s Persepolis FC
- Iran’s Coach of the Year (2008)
At Vancouver FC, Ghotbi translated his elite pedigree into tangible progress, particularly in player development and club visibility:
Player Development & Pathway to the National Team
Ghotbi turned Vancouver FC into a platform for emerging Canadian talent. Notably, James Cameron and Grady McDonnell were successfully transferred to other professional clubs ahead of the 2025 season, a major milestone for a young club. In just the club’s second year, multiple players earned call-ups to their respective national team programs:
Canadian Championship Success
Under Ghotbi’s leadership, Vancouver FC reached its first-ever Canadian Championship Semi-Final, competing alongside top-tier clubs like the Vancouver Whitecaps, Forge FC, and Atlético Ottawa.
European Market Visibility
In 2025, more than half a dozen VFC players attracted interest from European clubs, a testament to Ghotbi’s sharp eye for talent and relentless pursuit of player advancement.
Despite challenges in the league standings, Ghotbi’s impact transcended the scoreboard. His tenure was defined by vision, professionalism, and belief in what Vancouver FC could become.
“While results always matter in football, our focus has been on long-term growth and sustainability,” said Ghotbi. “I’m proud of what we built, the identity, the young talent, the competitive culture. I’ll always be grateful to the staff, players, and fans who believed in this mission. I look forward to watching Vancouver FC grow from afar.”
As the club begins its search for a new head coach, Vancouver FC remains firmly committed to its vision of becoming a competitive, community-driven club and a launching pad for the next generation of Canadian soccer stars.