Vancouver FC Appoints Martin Nash as Head Coach Amid Lawsuit Drama

UPDATE: Vancouver Football Club (VFC) has officially appointed Martin Nash as head coach, removing the interim title he held since last summer. This decision comes amidst ongoing legal battles involving former coach Afshin Ghotbi, who is suing the club for $500,000 in unpaid loans.

Nash, who took over as interim coach in July 2023, has led VFC through a transformative period, culminating in a groundbreaking performance that secured the club’s first-ever participation in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. This historic achievement follows a remarkable run in the TELUS Canadian Championship, where they faced off against the reigning CPL champions, Atletico Ottawa, and local rivals Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Despite finishing at the bottom of the league standings with 15 losses, 4 wins, and 9 draws, VFC president Rob Friend expressed confidence in Nash’s leadership moving forward. “We are proud to confirm Martin Nash as our head coach, leading the next chapter of Vancouver FC,” Friend stated. “His alignment with the club’s identity and ambitions made an immediate impact when he stepped in last season.”

In addition to Nash, VFC announced the hiring of Nick Dasovic as the new assistant coach. Dasovic, who previously coached youth teams at Vancouver Whitecaps FC and served as assistant coach for Detroit City FC, brings a wealth of experience and holds a UEFA Pro License. Nash highlighted Dasovic’s proven track record, stating, “It’s exciting to have Nick joining our staff. His guidance will be key as we work to shape a team that’s prepared to compete at the highest level.”

This week also saw VFC bolster its roster with the signings of Burundian forward Mohamed Amissi and CPL veteran Tom Field. As they gear up for the upcoming 2026 Canadian Premier League season and the Champions Cup, the newly signed players are expected to enhance the team’s competitiveness.

As of now, VFC’s roster includes:

– **Goalkeepers:** Callum Irving, Felipe Jaramillo
– **Defenders:** Matteo Campagna, Tyler Crawford, Paris Gee, David Norman Jr., Morey Doner, Tom Field
– **Midfielders:** Emrick Fotsing, Nicolas Mezquida, Abdoulaye Ouattara, Thomas Powell, Michel da Silva, Vasco Fry, Luis Toomey, Marcello Polisi
– **Forwards:** Terran Campbell, Thierno Bah, Kevin Podgorni, Mohamed Amissi

With these strategic appointments and signings, VFC is poised for an exciting new season. Fans and stakeholders alike are eager to see how Nash’s vision will unfold as the club embarks on this critical journey.

Stay tuned for further developments as VFC prepares for both national and international competitions in 2026.