Vice-president and chief sporting officer Olivier Renard out at CF Montreal

CF Montreal President and Chief Executive Officer Gabriel Gervais, left, Vice-President and Chief Sporting Officer Olivier Renard, right, and Hernan Losada hold up CF Montreal scarf following a news conference in Montreal, Thursday, December 22, 2022. CF Montreal is parting ways with Renard, the Major League Soccer club announced Thursday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

CF Montreal is parting ways with vice-president and chief sporting officer Olivier Renard by "mutual agreement,” the Major League Soccer club announced Thursday.

Renard joined Montreal as sporting director in 2019 after five years in management with various teams in his native Belgium.

Under his stewardship, Montreal posted its finest MLS regular season in 2022 with a 20-9-5 record, good for second place in the Eastern Conference.

But Montreal has also been beset by high-profile defections from players and coaches during his time with the club, notably the departure of coach of the year Wilfried Nancy to Columbus after the 2022 season.

"To the entire club, the players, the staff, the fans and the Saputo family, I thank you for all these years in Montreal," Renard said. "I am proud to have played a part in the growth of CF Montréal, to have orchestrated a sporting identity for the club, and l will leave with lasting memories."

Renard's departure comes amid rumours that star midfielder Mathieu Choiniere has been unable to negotiate a new contract with the club and has requested a trade.

Montreal is in 11th place in the Eastern Conference with a 3-4-3 record and has one win in its last seven MLS games.

The team says president and chief executive officer Gabriel Gervais will take over Renard's role interim basis. Gervais is scheduled to address the media on Friday.

"I would like to thank Olivier for his dedication, passion and work with the organization since 2019," Gervais said in a release. "He played an important role in developing and implementing the Club's sporting philosophy. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 9, 2024.