Canada Women’s Coach Fired Following Drone Surveillance Scandal at Paris Olympics
Canada women’s coach Bev Priestman, suspended following a drone surveillance scandal at the Paris Olympics, was fired Tuesday following an independent review.
Assistant Coaches and Analyst Also Fired
Assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi were also fired as Canada Soccer released findings of the investigation.
Background of the Incident
New Zealand complained about a drone flying over practices before the start of the Olympic tournament, prompting FIFA to fine Canada Soccer $228,000 and strip six standings points from the team. Priestman, Mander, and Lombardi were all suspended by soccer’s international governing body for a year.
Despite the penalty, Canada advanced to the group stage and lost to Germany on penalty kicks in the quarterfinals.
Investigation Findings
The investigation by attorney Sonia Regenbogen of the firm Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark found no evidence that Canadian players had viewed the drone footage. But it found that assistant coaches and other support staff “did not feel they could challenge the authority of the head coach.”
Consequences
Priestman, who could not immediately be reached for comment, led Canada to the gold medal at the Tokyo Games. The review found that no drones were used in Japan, but that two national team coaches engaged in improper surveillance “predating the 2024 Paris Olympics.”
Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue said in a statement: “The findings of the independent investigator reveal that the drone incident in Paris was a symptom of a past pattern of an unacceptable culture and insufficient oversight within the national teams. This is no longer part of our operations. In fact, the investigation findings strengthen our resolve to continue implementing changes that are needed to improve Canada Soccer, in all respects, and to do so with urgency.”
Allegations Against Men’s Team Coach
The review found that allegations suggesting the men’s team used drones to spy on an opponent at the Copa America were unfounded. However, it found “potential violations” by former Canada men’s coach John Herdman, who was not interviewed because of scheduling issues.
“Potential violations of the Canada Soccer Code of Conduct and Ethics by the former head coach of the Men’s National Team were identified,” Canada Soccer said in a summary of the investigation. “Pursuant to the Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code, a disciplinary process is being initiated to adjudicate these potential violations.”
Conclusion
The investigation and its findings have led to the firing of Priestman and two other coaches, as well as the initiation of a disciplinary process against former men’s team coach John Herdman. The incident highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability within Canada Soccer, and the organization has committed to implementing changes to improve its operations.
FAQs
Q: What was the reason for the suspension of Bev Priestman, Jasmine Mander, and Joseph Lombardi?
A: The three were suspended following a drone surveillance scandal at the Paris Olympics, in which a drone was flown over New Zealand’s training session.
Q: What was the penalty imposed on Canada Soccer?
A: Canada Soccer was fined $228,000 and had six standings points stripped from the team.
Q: Did the investigation find any evidence that Canadian players had viewed the drone footage?
A: No, the investigation found no evidence that Canadian players had viewed the drone footage.
Q: What are the next steps for John Herdman, the former men’s team coach?
A: A disciplinary process has been initiated to adjudicate potential violations of the Canada Soccer Code of Conduct and Ethics by Herdman.
Q: Has Canada Soccer committed to implementing changes to improve its operations?
A: Yes, the organization has committed to implementing changes to improve its operations and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
