Canada removes Bev Priestman, women's Olympic soccer team coach, over drone spying scandal

On Tuesday, the Canadian Olympic Committee released a statement regarding a “non-accredited” member of the women’s soccer team using a drone to record New Zealand’s practice. Only two days later, the Canadian Olympic Committee announced it had parted ways with head coach Bev Priestman.

“The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed the Canadian Women’s National Soccer Team Head Coach Bev Priestman from the Canadian Olympic Team due to her suspension by Canada Soccer,” the COC statement read. “Assistant coach Andy Spence will lead the Women’s National Soccer Team for the remainder of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”

Despite Priestman’s suspension, Canada defeated New Zealand on Thursday in a 2-1 effort. The scandal first came to light when New Zealand informed the International Olympic Committee’s integrity unit drones were flown over closed practice sessions.

More details on the drone-spying scandal

Initially, Canada only sent home assistant coach Jasmine Mander and Canada Soccer analyst Joseph Lombardi. However, after further investigation the team also dismissed Priestman. Canada Soccer CEO and general secretary Kevin Blue provided further details on the decision.

“Over the past 24 hours, additional information has come to our attention regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” Blue said in a statement.

“In light of these new revelations, Canada Soccer has made the decision 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.”

Priestman took over the Canada women’s national soccer team in 2020, succeeding Kenneth Heiner-Møller. In four years at the helm, Priestman has led the team to a 28 wins, nine losses and 10 draws. While Priestman denied knowledge of the drone activity on Wednesday, she didn’t dodge responsibility for her team.

“My reaction was you feel like this program has let the country down,” Priestman said. “That’s why I took the proactive step to do what I felt was the right thing. Irrespective of the details, I’m ultimately accountable.”

Canada won the Gold Medal at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and took home Bronze Medals in 2016 and 2012. Understandably, expectations are high for the team ahead of the Paris Olympics. On July 28, the team will square off against France and then take on Colombia only three days later.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh also contributed to this article.