Canadian Soccer Team’s Drone Scandal: Priestman Steps Down for Opener

In a surprising turn of events, Bev Priestman, the head coach of Canada‘s women’s soccer team, has decided to sit out the team’s Olympic opener against New Zealand. This decision comes amid a scandal involving two staff members allegedly using a drone to spy on opponents.

The situation came to light recently when the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) informed the public about two separate drone incidents. One took place in Saint-Etienne, France, while the other occurred during a practice session in New Zealand.

Priestman expressed her regret over the scandal, stating it made her feel as though the program had let Canada down. She communicated her commitment to taking accountability, leading to her voluntary decision to step back from the sidelines.

Along with Priestman, assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi were sent home immediately following the incidents. The COC announced that Canada Soccer staff would now undergo mandatory ethics training to prevent similar issues in the future.

In a statement, Priestman apologized to the players and staff of New Zealand Football and mentioned that the actions taken by her team did not align with the values they stood for. She emphasized, “Irrespective of the details, I’m ultimately accountable for this team.”

As the team prepares for their Group A opener, assistant coach Andy Spence will take charge on the sidelines. The match is set to be broadcast live on CBC TV and CBC Gem.

Reports suggest that images taken during the unsanctioned drone incidents showed New Zealand players following their coach’s instructions, raising further questions about the integrity of the Canadian team’s approach.

French police got involved when a drone was spotted over New Zealand’s practice, detaining an unaccredited member of Canada’s staff. The situation has left team members feeling disappointed but determined to focus on their performance.

As expressed by center back Vanessa Gilles, the team remains professional and is committed to making the best out of a challenging situation as they aim for Olympic success.

This drone controversy isn’t an isolated issue for Canadian soccer. In 2021, a similar incident occurred with the men’s team when a drone disrupted a training session against Honduras.

With heightened security around the Olympics, French authorities have been actively monitoring drone activity, often intercepting several drones per day, as emphasized by French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal.