Official announcement from Canada Soccer

Canada's Bev Priestman Removed from Olympics Over Drone Spying Scandal

Jul 25, 2024, 11:50 PM

The Canadian women's national soccer team is embroiled in a scandal involving the use of drones to spy on opponents' practice sessions. Two members of the team's staff, unaccredited analyst Joseph Lombard and assistant coach Jasmine Mander, were sent home after being caught flying drones over New Zealand's practice. Head coach Bev Priestman, a British coach, has removed herself from coaching Thursday's Olympic opener against New Zealand and has been suspended for the remainder of the Olympics by Canada Soccer. The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) has also removed Priestman from the team following new information about the incidents. An independent external review will be conducted to investigate the matter further. Despite the turmoil, Canada defeated New Zealand 2-1 in their opening match.