The drone scandal surrounding the Canadian women’s soccer team could have bigger ramifications than just this year’s games. Games in Paris.
Head Coach Bev Priestman She was relieved of her job on Thursday night after an investigation found analyst Joseph Lombardi had used a drone to spy on New Zealand training sessions and two staff members were sent home from Paris.
Coach Beverley Priestman reacts during the women’s gold medal match between Canada and Sweden on Day 14 of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, on August 6, 2021. (Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
“Over the past 24 hours, we have received additional information regarding the use of drones against opponents prior to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” Canada Soccer Association CEO Kevin Blue said in a statement.
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“In light of these new revelations, canadian soccer “We have decided to suspend women’s national football team head coach Bev Priestman for the remainder of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and until the completion of the recently announced independent, external investigation.”
The possible tampering with opponents comes as Canada seeks to defend its Olympic title. The women’s team won gold in Tokyo and won its opening game against New Zealand on Thursday before Priestman was ejected.
Canadian Olympic Committee CEO David Shoemaker said at a news conference that Priestman, who sat out Thursday’s games, was likely aware of the drones’ use and suggested they could potentially hurt Canada’s chances of winning the gold medal in Tokyo.
Canadian Olympic Committee CEO and Executive Director David Shoemaker spoke to media on July 2. (RJ Johnston/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Canadian soccer staff member receives eight-month suspended prison sentence in Olympic drone scandal
“We have independently gathered some additional information which has led us to the conclusion that it is likely she was aware of the incident here in Saint-Etienne,” Shoemaker told reporters.
“It appears that information now exists that could taint our performance at the Tokyo Olympics,” he continued. “It makes me sick. It makes me sick to think that anything could happen that would cast doubt… It breaks my heart to think that one of my favourite moments in Olympic history, the performance of that women’s team, who overcame all odds to win gold under COVID-19 restrictions, could be called into question.”
As investigations by FIFA, the IOC and the Canadian Soccer Association continue, officials have not publicly described a pattern of espionage but have pointed to multiple instances.
Canadian team players celebrate after their victory in a penalty shootout during the women’s gold medal match between Canada and Sweden on the 14th day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, on August 6, 2021. (Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
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Blue also addressed the incident with the men’s national team at the Copa America, saying he understood it did not affect the competitive fairness of the match, but did not provide further details.
He added that the women’s team players themselves were not involved in any unethical conduct.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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