Canada women’s soccer coach, Bev Priestman, has been suspended and removed from the Paris Olympics team following a drone-spying scandal. Canada Soccer’s CEO and general secretary, Kevin Blue, stated that there is an ongoing investigation into a possible “systemic ethical shortcoming,” emphasizing that the players themselves were not involved in any unethical behavior during the Paris Games. The team is currently undergoing training in Saint-Etienne.
Priestman’s future with the defending champion Canada team remains uncertain, pending the outcome of the review. Blue mentioned that upon gathering more information, additional steps may be considered. Earlier, Canadian Olympic Committee chief executive, David Shoemaker, informed reporters that Priestman was likely aware of drones being used to spy on New Zealand’s practices, a claim that Priestman denies.
Blue also disclosed a potential drone incident involving the men’s national team at the recent Copa America, though he clarified that it did not affect the competition’s integrity. Asked about men’s coach Jesse Marsch’s awareness of drone usage at the tournament, Blue stated that Marsch became aware after the fact and has condemned the practice to his staff.
The Canadian team faced disruption earlier in the week when two staff members were sent home for allegedly using a drone to spy on New Zealand’s practice. Priestman stepped aside for the team’s Olympic opener, with interim coach Andy Spence leading the team to a 2-1 victory over New Zealand. Following the match, the COC announced Priestman’s removal for the remainder of the tournament, with Canada Soccer initiating an independent review. FIFA and the International Olympic Committee are also conducting investigations.
Blue mentioned that new information emerged after the opener, leading to Priestman’s suspension, indicating a possible systemic issue. Federation officials met with the players, and Canada is set to play against host France next. Christine Sinclair, captain of Canada’s gold medal-winning team at the Tokyo Olympics, expressed disappointment over the staff’s actions affecting the players.
Former national team coach John Herdman offered to assist with the review, affirming that during his tenure, such activities were not a part of team operations. Assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi were previously sent home in connection to the drone surveillance scandal. Priestman, who led the team to gold in the 2021 Olympics, expressed accountability for the situation, acknowledging that the program had let the country down.
Blue did not specify a timeline for the investigation’s completion, aiming to redirect the focus onto the players and the ongoing competition at the Olympics. Priestman, under contract through the 2027 Women’s World Cup, has a successful coaching record, albeit with recent controversies. The hope is to address the issue promptly and allow the players to concentrate on their Olympic performances.
