Official announcements from Canada Soccer

Canadian Women's Soccer Team Embroiled in Drone Scandal, Priestman Suspended, Wins 2-1 at Paris Olympics

Jul 26, 2024, 01:08 AM

The Canadian women's soccer team, defending Olympic champions, is embroiled in a drone spying scandal at the Paris Olympics. An assistant coach and an analyst, Joseph Lombardi, were sent home after being caught using a drone to spy on the New Zealand team's practice session in Saint-Etienne. Lombardi received a suspended prison sentence. Head coach Bev Priestman has been suspended for the remainder of the Olympics, with Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue indicating that the issue may be part of a systemic ethical shortcoming within the organization. The Canadian Olympic Committee CEO David Shoemaker suggested that Priestman was likely aware of the drone activities. An independent review has been launched to investigate the incident and past practices of the national teams. Despite the controversy, Canada won their opening match against New Zealand 2-1. New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell has called for urgent action from FIFA to address the scandal, which he believes could tarnish the integrity of the tournament.