Canada Soccer team suspends their coach for using drones to spy on New Zealand
July 26, 2024
Following her suspension by Canada Soccer due to a drone surveillance controversy that has forced the reigning Olympic gold medalists into an unsavoury worldwide limelight, head coach Bev Priestman was fired by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) on Thursday.
For the duration of the Paris Games, assistant coach Andy Spence will guide the Canadian women’s team, the COC announced.
“Over the past 24 hours, additional information has come to our attention regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” Canada Soccer CEO & General Secretary Kevin Blue said in an emailed statement.
“In light of these new revelations, Canada Soccer has made the decision to suspend Women’s National Team Head Coach, Bev Priestman for the remainder of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and until the completion of our recently announced independent external review.”
Thursday’s opening match of the Paris Olympics saw Canada upset New Zealand 2-1; Priestman chose to sit out the game when the spying issue surfaced this week.
Priestman expressed regret to the New Zealand players for the incident and stated that she alone bore ultimate responsibility.
“This does not represent the values that our team stands for. I am ultimately responsible for conduct in our program.”
The 2024 Paris Olympics will officially begin today 26th July 2024 in France.