Vancouver FC Owners Counter Lawsuit by Former Coach Ghotbi

Former head coach of Vancouver FC, Afshin Ghotbi, has initiated a lawsuit against the club for failing to repay a loan of $500,000, which he claims has accrued interest totaling $715,879.45. The lawsuit, filed last month, has prompted the club’s owners, SixFive Sports and Entertainment, along with managing director Dean Shillington, to respond with a counterclaim. They accuse Ghotbi of “blackmail by litigation” and are seeking damages for breach of confidence and abuse of process.

The allegations stem from Ghotbi’s assertion that the club reneged on an agreement to prioritize his loan repayment. According to Ghotbi, the club promised he would be first in line for repayment. In contrast, SixFive contends that Ghotbi was not a priority creditor and should have known that repayment was contingent on future financial events. Their response states that Ghotbi initially proposed the investment and later decided to convert the loan into equity.

SixFive’s court documents assert that Ghotbi “maliciously and improperly” breached settlement privilege by publicly disclosing details of the civil claim. They claim he disseminated this information to the media with the intent to harm the club’s reputation and cause financial damage.

Background on the Lawsuit

Ghotbi, who served as head coach from the club’s inception in 2023 until his departure in July 2025, alleges that the club mismanaged its financial obligations. His loan, which was set at an interest rate of 12 percent per year, was initially intended as an equity investment. After negotiations, Ghotbi opted for the loan but later demanded repayment in early 2025 instead of converting it to equity as initially discussed.

The counterclaim also highlights that Ghotbi’s departure from the club was not mutual as he claims; instead, SixFive states he was terminated but requested that the separation be publicly framed as a mutual decision to protect his professional standing.

Financial Issues at Pacific FC

Compounding the situation, SixFive Sports and Entertainment also owns Pacific FC, another team in the Canadian Professional League (CPL). Recently, the City of Langford announced stalled negotiations with Pacific FC regarding a stadium agreement and indoor training centre lease. The city cited outstanding debts totaling $691,000 related to the training centre lease and $90,000 in office and stadium rental fees.

The city has restricted Starlight Stadium’s availability to Pacific FC on a game-by-game basis, contingent upon the payment of fees at least two weeks prior to each game. In a statement, the city emphasized that this approach aims to protect taxpayer interests while ensuring the upcoming 2026 season can proceed.

Pacific FC’s managing director, Ross Marshall, expressed commitment to resolving these financial disagreements, stating, “Langford has long been Pacific FC’s home, and the club has invested deeply in the community.” He acknowledged ongoing disputes with the city over the interpretation of their agreements but reaffirmed the club’s dedication to the upcoming season.

As the case progresses, both Ghotbi’s lawsuit and the financial disputes involving Pacific FC highlight the challenges facing clubs in the competitive landscape of professional soccer in Canada.