Canada Soccer has parted ways with Bev Priestman. The decision to remove Mr Priestman from his coaching role comes after an independent review was launched into Mr Priestman's role in the drone surveillance scandal at this summer's Paris Olympics.
Assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi were also fired after Canada Soccer released the results of its investigation.
The women's soccer team was embroiled in a scandal after New Zealand raised concerns about drones flying near their training grounds as they prepared for soccer competitions at the Olympic Games. FIFA fined Canada Soccer $228,000 and withheld six points from the team.
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FILE – Canadian coach Beverley Priestman gestures during a soccer training session ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup on Monday, July 17, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Scott Barber/Canadian Press, via AP, File)
FIFA also suspended Priestman, Mander and Lombardi for one year. Despite the penalty, Canada was able to advance to the group. Germany eliminated Canada from the Olympic Games in the quarterfinals.
An investigation by attorney Sonia Regenbogen of Matthews, Dinsdale & Clark found no evidence that Canadian players had viewed the drone footage. However, it was found that assistant coaches and other support staff “did not feel able to challenge the head coach's authority.”
Canadian Olympic Committee says spying scandal could “tarnish'' Tokyo women's gold medal
Fox News Digital reached out to Priestman for comment, but he could not immediately be reached. Priestman led Canada to the gold medal at the Tokyo Games. The investigation found that although no drones were used in Japan, two national team coaches had conducted inappropriate surveillance activities “before the 2024 Paris Olympics.”
Canadian national team head coach Beverley Priestman gestures during the 2024 Concacaf World Gold Cup quarterfinals between Canada and Costa Rica at BMO Stadium on March 2, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Omar Vega/Getty Images)
“The findings of an independent investigation show that the drone incident in Paris is in line with a past pattern of unacceptable culture and poor coaching within the national team,” Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue said in a statement. It turned out to be a sign.”
“This is no longer part of our job. Indeed, the findings strengthen our resolve to continue and urgently implement the changes needed to improve Canadian Soccer in all aspects.” Despite the conclusion of the independent investigation, there is still work to be done to move things in a new direction.”
Head coach Beverley Priestman reacts during the women's gold medal match between Canada and Sweden on the 14th day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, held at Yokohama International Stadium in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, August 6, 2021. do. (Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
The investigation also found that allegations suggesting the men's team used drones to spy on opponents at the Copa America were unfounded. However, it was revealed that there was a “possible violation” by former Canada men's coach John Herdman, who was not interviewed due to scheduling issues.
“Possible violations of the Canada Soccer Code of Conduct and Ethics by the former head coach of the men's national team have been identified,” Canada Soccer said in a summary of the investigation. “A disciplinary proceeding will be initiated to adjudicate these potential violations in accordance with the Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code.”
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Hardman left Canada Soccer last year and is currently coaching Major League Soccer's Toronto FC.
Toronto FC said in a statement: “The organization will spend the next few days thoroughly reviewing and processing the findings of the report. Both MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment) and Toronto FC are committed to completing that review process. We will reserve further comment until further notice.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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