Canada women’s soccer coach Bev Priestman has been suspended and removed from the team for the Paris Olympics due to a drone-spying scandal. The head of Canada Soccer, Kevin Blue, mentioned a potential “systemic ethical shortcoming” and said that Priestman’s future with the team is pending the outcome of the review. The Canadian Olympic Committee CEO claimed that Priestman was aware of drones used to spy on New Zealand’s practices in France.
Blue also mentioned an incident involving the men’s national team at Copa America, but did not provide details. The defending Olympic champions, Canada, defeated New Zealand 2-1 in the team’s Olympic opener, with interim coach Andy Spence leading the team. Priestman decided to step aside for the match, and hours later, the COC announced her removal for the rest of the tournament.
Canada Soccer is conducting an internal review while FIFA and the International Olympic Committee are also investigating the incident. Priestman, who led the team to a gold medal at the 2021 Olympics, had agreed to coach Canada through the 2027 Women’s World Cup. She has a coaching record of 28 wins, nine losses, and 10 draws with the team.
The scandal began when two team staffers were sent home for using a drone to spy on a New Zealand practice. Priestman expressed accountability and a sense of disappointment in the team’s actions. The upcoming match against France on Sunday will clearly be affected by the ongoing investigation and the removal of the head coach.
Source
Photo credit wtop.com