Paris 2024: Canada Coach Booted Over Spy Claims

Coach caught spying on NZ team, sent packing...

Canada's women's football team embroiled in spying scandal, two staff members sent home, and head coach Bev Priestman to miss NZ match amid controversy.

The Canadian women's football team has been rocked by a spying scandal, resulting in the dismissal of two staff members - an assistant coach and an analyst - from the 2024 Olympics on July 24. Head coach Bev Priestman has also taken a stand, announcing she will sit out the team's opening match against New Zealand, where they will defend their gold medal title.

The controversy unfolded after French authorities detained a Canadian staff member for operating a drone over a New Zealand training session in Saint-Etienne, sparking allegations of espionage. This incident has led to a swift response from the Canadian team, with the dismissed staff members and head coach Priestman's self-imposed suspension aiming to address the situation and maintain the team's integrity.

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) has escalated the spying scandal, filing an official complaint with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) integrity unit after uncovering a second incident involving New Zealand. The COC is seeking a formal explanation from the Canadian team and has opened a dialogue with both the IOC and FIFA to address the matter.

Throughout the investigation, Canada Soccer has maintained full transparency and cooperation, working closely with the COC to ensure a thorough examination of the incidents. The organization's commitment to integrity and fair play has been evident in its handling of the situation, as it seeks to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship.

“The COC stated that it will continue evaluating this issue and might pursue additional measures if deemed appropriate,” the COC said.

The two staff members dismissed from the Canadian women's football team have been named as Joseph Lombardi, an unaccredited analyst with Canada Soccer, and Jasmine Mander, an assistant coach who reported to Lombardi. Both individuals were sent home following the spying scandal.

Head coach Bev Priestman has taken a stand by voluntarily removing herself from the team's bench for the highly anticipated match against New Zealand on July 25. Priestman feels it would be inappropriate for her to participate in the game, given the circumstances surrounding the scandal, and is prioritizing the team's integrity and reputation.

“On behalf of our entire team, I first and foremost want to apologise to the players and staff at New Zealand Football and to the players on Team Canada.

“This does not represent the values that our team stands for.

“I am ultimately responsible for conduct in our programme. Accordingly, to emphasize our team's commitment to integrity, I have decided to voluntarily withdraw from coaching the match on Thursday,” she said.