The Vancouver Whitecaps signed coach Vanni Sartini to a two-year contract extension on Saturday night.
Financial terms of the deal were not announced.
Word of Sartini’s extension came out in unique fashion, as the announcement was made over the PA system in front of 24,000 fans during Vancouver’s match against Los Angeles FC — the regular-season finale for both teams.
“We are thrilled to officially announce in front of our amazing fans that we have reached an agreement with Vanni to extend his contract,” Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster said. “Vanni’s dedication and passion has shown he can take this club to new heights. He has successfully implemented a strong philosophy and style of play with the team as the leader.
“Not only has Vanni made an impact in the locker room and on the pitch, but he also continues to energize our club with his enthusiastic personality. He has embraced Vancouver and built strong relationships with our supporters, as well as our staff. We are very pleased to have Vanni as our coach as we look to continue to win trophies and make history.”
Sartini, who turns 47 on Nov. 14, started with Vancouver as an assistant before taking over as interim head coach in August of 2021 after the team parted ways with Marc Dos Santos. Sartini then stepped into the full-time position three months later.
Over the past two-plus seasons under Sartini, the Whitecaps have qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs twice (2021, 2023) and have also won the Canadian Championship in back-to-back years.
“I am happy, actually ecstatic, to extend my contract with Whitecaps FC,” Sartini said. “Vancouver has become home for me and my wife, and we are very excited to continue to live in this fantastic city.”
Vancouver entered Saturday 12-10-11 with 47 points.
–Field Level Media