The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) has decided to remove women’s national football head coach Bev Priestman from her role for the remainder of the Paris Olympics 2024. The move comes after a drone spying scandal that has dumbfounded the team. Assistant coach Andy Spence will now take the reins of the defending gold medalists.
Two Canadian team staff members were sent home earlier this week following allegations of using a drone to spy on a New Zealand practice. Priestman denied involvement.
In a statement, Canada Soccer CEO and General Secretary Kevin Blue disclosed that “Over the past 24 hours, additional information has come to our attention regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.” As a result of these new findings, Blue announced, “Canada Soccer has decided to suspend women’s national soccer 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.” he added.
Wider allegations
The drone incident in Paris emerged when New Zealand’s Olympic Committee complained about spying during their Monday training session. A drone was spotted flying over the team’s practice in Saint-Étienne, France. The staff members reported the drone to the police, leading to the detention of the operator, who was identified as a staff member of the Canadian team.
The scandal has worsened with revelations of previous drone incidents targeting opponents, predating the Paris Olympics. Canada Football CEO Kevin Blue announced Priestman’s suspension until the end of the tournament and the completion of an independent review.
Olympic glory in the past
Priestman, who had signed a contract extension in January to coach the team until the 2027 Women’s World Cup, has enjoyed mixed fortunes with Canada. She led the team to Olympic gold in 2021 but suffered a group-stage exit at last year’s World Cup.
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