The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) has removed Bev Priestman, the head coach of Canada’s women’s national soccer team, for the remainder of the Paris Games amid allegations of drone spying on opponents.
This decision, announced early Friday, follows the discovery of unauthorized drone use to observe New Zealand’s practice sessions, both recently and in incidents predating the current Olympic Games.
New Zealand’s Complaint Leads to Investigations
The controversy began when New Zealand’s Olympic Committee filed a complaint about a drone observed over their practice on Monday in Saint-Étienne, France.
The drone, operated by a member of the Canadian team, was allegedly used to record New Zealand’s preparations. The individual responsible was detained by police, and both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FIFA, soccer’s world governing body, are investigating the matter for potential breaches of fair play regulations.
What Actions Did Canada Soccer Take?
In response to these events, Priestman did not attend Canada’s 2-1 win over New Zealand following the incident. Kevin Blue, CEO and general secretary of Canada Soccer, stated that additional information had come to light regarding previous unauthorized drone use against other teams, predating the current Olympics. As a result, Priestman has been suspended pending an independent external review.
The COC also confirmed that Lombardi and Mander had been sent home and that all Canada Soccer staff would undergo mandatory ethics training.
Assistant coach Andy Spence will lead the team for the remainder of the tournament. The COC apologized to New Zealand’s players, their federation, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), expressing shock and disappointment over the incident.
New Zealand Calls for Fair Competition
FIFA and the IOC are currently investigating the situation, which potentially breaches fair play regulations in Olympic and FIFA competitions. The IOC has expressed approval of the actions taken by the COC and emphasized the importance of respect and integrity in the Games.
New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell called for urgent action, highlighting the seriousness of the breach and its implications for the tournament’s integrity. He noted the COC’s internal sanctions but stressed the need for a broader response to ensure fair competition.
Priestman, who has been with Canada Soccer since October 2020, led the team to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Despite the recent controversy and the team’s underperformance at the 2023 World Cup, Priestman had recently extended her contract through the 2027 World Cup.
Featured Image courtesy of Elsa – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
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