New Delhi: Canada women’s soccer coach Bev Priestman has been suspended and removed from the Paris Olympics over a drone-spying scandal, prompting an investigation into potential systemic ethical issues by Canada Soccer.
Assistant coach Andy Spence will lead the Canadian women’s squad for the remainder of the Paris games, the COC said.
Bev Priestman Suspended, Canada Soccer CEO and General Secy Issues Statement
“Over the past 24 hours, additional information has come to our attention regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” Canada Soccer CEO & General Secretary Kevin Blue said in an emailed statement.
“In light of these new revelations, Canada Soccer has made the decision to suspend Women’s National Team Head Coach, Bev Priestman for the remainder of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and until the completion of our recently announced independent external review.”
Earlier in the day, Canadian Olympic Committee chief executive David Shoemaker told reporters in Paris that Priestman was likely aware that drones were used to spy on New Zealand’s practices in France. Priestman has denied the allegations.
Canada Women’s Soccer Coach Tends Apology
Priestman apologized to the New Zealand players for what had happened and said ultimate responsibility lay with her.
“This does not represent the values that our team stands for. I am ultimately responsible for conduct in our program.”
Why has Canada Women’s Soccer Coach Arrested
A drone flown by a Canada Soccer staff member disrupted a New Zealand training session on Monday just days ahead of their opening match against the Tokyo 2020 gold medalists.
Global soccer’s governing body FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against Canada Soccer, Priestman, and two Canada Soccer staff members that were booted from the Paris games this week over the scandal.
Canada Soccer said Wednesday it would launch an independent external review about the drone incident and the historical culture of competitive ethics within all of its programs.
In another news, Canada defeated New Zealand 2-1 in their Paris Olympics opening game on Thursday, a match which Priestman voluntarily sat out after the spying scandal broke this week.
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