November 13 – Canada Soccer has dismissed Bev Priestman following an independent report into the Olympic drone-spying scandal.
Manager Priestman (pictured), assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joey Lombardi, were already serving a one-year FIFA ban for their roles in the scandal.
“The three individuals currently suspended by FIFA will not be returning,” said Canada Soccer in a news release. “The search for a new head coach for the women’s national team will commence shortly.
“Potential violations of the Canada Soccer Code of Conduct and Ethics by the former head coach of the men’s national team were identified.”
Canada Soccer’s Disciplinary Code provides a wide range of sanctions, from a written notice of admonishment to a lifetime suspension. “Pursuant to the Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code, a disciplinary process is being initiated to adjudicate these potential violations.”
Last summer, Canada’s Olympic campaign was overshadowed by the drone scandal. New Zealand complained about the use of drones to spy on their practices before the kickoff of the Olympic tournament in France. FIFA imposed a six-point deduction and a fine on Canada, but the team, who were the defending champions, still progressed to the last eight, only to be eliminated by Germany.
The report, undertaken by law firm Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark, suggests there were internal pushbacks, but that the players did not see drone footage.
“Some assistant coaches and staff members felt uncomfortable with the practice of spying on opponents but did not feel they could challenge the authority of the head coach. Two of the women’s national team coaches directed acts of improper surveillance predating the 2024 Paris Olympics,” said Canada Soccer.
“The findings of the independent investigator reveal that the incident itself was a symptom of a difficult and unacceptable past culture within the national teams,” said Canada Soccer chief executive officer and general secretary Kevin Blue and president Peter Augruso in a separate statement on social media. “Quite simply, while players on the national teams performed admirably, cultural standards and management of the programs dating back several years fell short of expectations.”
“This is no longer part of our operations. In fact, the investigation findings strengthen our resolve to continue implementing changes that are needed to improve Canada Soccer, in all respects, and to do so with urgency. Even though the independent investigation has been concluded, there is more to be done to set things on a new course.”
The report found that allegations that the men’s team used drones to spy on an opponent at the Copa América were unfounded. However, John Herdman, who led Canada’s women’s national team between 2011 and 2018, did not provide any comments. Information in the FIFA Appeals Committee ruling on the scandal suggested that drone use started under him. He has publicly declined to comment, citing the “integrity of the investigation”.
In July, Herdman said: “I can again clarify that at a FIFA World Cup, pinnacle event, Olympic Games, at a Youth World Cup, those activities have not been undertaken. And I’ve got nothing else to say on that matter.”
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