MARSEILLE, France — Canada’s women’s soccer coach Bev Priestman expressed her regret and promised full cooperation with the investigation into the drone-spying scandal at the Paris Olympics in a statement issued on Sunday.
Following the incident where two of her assistants were caught spying on New Zealand’s practices using drones before their first game, the team was penalized six points and Priestman was suspended for a year.
In her statement, Priestman said, “I am absolutely heartbroken for the players, and I would like to apologize from the bottom of my heart for the impact this situation has had on all of them. As the leader of the team on the field, I want to take accountability, and I plan to fully cooperate with the investigation.”
Priestman, who led Canada to the Olympic title in Tokyo in 2021, has had her reputation tarnished by the scandal, sparking concerns about the practices of the country’s soccer teams and the extent of the issue.
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She also extended her apologies to Canada as a nation, while also defending her legacy.
“This program and team have allowed this country to reach the pinnacle of women’s soccer, and their winning of the gold medal was earned through sheer grit and determination, despite reports to the contrary,” she said. “I fought with every ounce of my being to make this program better, much of which will never be known or understood. I wish I could say more, but I will refrain at this time, given the appeals process and the ongoing investigation.”
Further details revealed that a complaint was filed against the women’s team for filming an opponent’s training session during the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship, which served as a qualification tournament for last year’s Women’s World Cup.
In response to the drone scandal, FIFA banned Priestman, two of her coaches, and imposed a substantial $226,000 fine on Canada Soccer.
Canada is considering an appeal, but has cited a “systemic ethical shortcoming” as a cause for concern.
Sunday also saw sports minister Carla Qualtrough announce that the government will withhold funding related to suspended Canada Soccer officials for the duration of their FIFA sanction, labeling drone surveillance at a closed practice as “cheating.” She described the episode as a “significant distraction and embarrassment” for all Canadians.
In addition, Canada Soccer CEO and general secretary Kevin Blue mentioned a possible drone incident involving the men’s national team at the recent Copa America, although he assured that it did not affect the integrity of the competition.
Following inquiries about men’s coach Jesse Marsch’s awareness of possible drone usage at the tournament, Blue stated that Marsch was informed after the fact and condemned it as a practice. Canada’s men’s team lost in the Copa semifinals to Argentina 2-0.
A CONCACAF official confirmed a complaint during the 2022 W Championship but provided limited details. The United States emerged victorious over Canada in the tournament final in Mexico, securing berths in the Women’s World Cup and Olympics for both countries.
Concerning other incidents of surveillance, reports from The Sports Network in Canada indicated occurrences at the Tokyo Games, citing sources familiar with the filming.
When approached by the AP regarding a potential wider investigation into drone spying in soccer, FIFA declined to comment.
The scandal has brought embarrassment to the Canadian federation as it prepares to co-host the 2026 men’s World Cup with the United States and Mexico across North America.
Meanwhile, Canada’s sanctions are likely to be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s special Olympic court in Paris for further review.
Canada Soccer and the Canadian Olympic Committee announced their intention to appeal the points deduction, which could hinder but not eliminate Canada’s women from advancing to the knockout stage.
“We feel terrible for the athletes on the Canadian women’s Olympic soccer team who as far as we understand played no role in this matter,” said David Shoemaker, the Olympic committee’s CEO and secretary general, in a statement. “In support of the athletes, together with Canada Soccer, we are exploring rights of appeal related to the six-point deduction at this Olympic tournament.”
Canada was scheduled to face host France on Sunday night in Saint-Etienne. Interim coach Andy Spence is leading the team, with assistance from Neil Wood and goalkeepers coach Jen Herst.
“There’s no training for this,” Spence mentioned at practice on Saturday. “I’ve been asked to lead and that’s what I’m going to do to my very best capabilities.”
Canada secured a 2-1 victory over New Zealand in their opening match, amassing three points.
With a win against France and another victory against Colombia in the final group match on Wednesday, the Canadian team could potentially advance despite the deduction.
Former national team player Diana Matheson expressed her support in a social media post, stating, “Canadians are with you. … Take 6 points away from us? Fine, let’s go get 9.”
The scandal came to light in the lead-up to the Olympic tournament when New Zealand raised concerns about drones flying over their practice sessions. As a result, two team staff members, assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi, were sent home.
Initially, Priestman stepped back from the opener, but she was later suspended for the entire tournament.
