Drone Spying Scandal: Canadian Soccer Coach Removed for Alleged Espionage

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) has suspended women's national soccer head coach Bev Priestman after two team staffers were allegedly caught using a drone to spy on an opponent. The incident has cast a shadow over the team's preparations for the upcoming Paris Games.

The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women's national soccer head coach Bev Priestman from her position for the remainder of the Paris Games after two team staffers were accused of using a drone to spy on an opponent.

Assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi were "sent home immediately" after they were allegedly caught using a drone to observe a closed-door training session by the New Zealand team. Canada went on to defeat New Zealand 2-1 in a match that was overshadowed by the controversy.

Drone Spying Scandal: Canadian Soccer Coach Removed for Alleged Espionage

Priestman, who has denied any involvement in the incident, initially offered to step away from the team prior to the committee's decision. However, the COC announced that she would be suspended until the end of the tournament and the completion of an independent external review.

The COC released a statement expressing its shock and disappointment over the incident, emphasizing that it stands for fair play. The committee also apologized to New Zealand Football, the players involved, and the New Zealand Olympic Committee.

Drone Spying Scandal: Canadian Soccer Coach Removed for Alleged Espionage

Lombardi, 43, was arrested by French police for flying a drone over Auguste Dury Stadium on Monday and filming the training session. He admitted to the charges and was sentenced to eight months in prison.

The COC identified Lombardi as "an unaccredited analyst with Canada Soccer."

Drone Spying Scandal: Canadian Soccer Coach Removed for Alleged Espionage

Sources have indicated that the drone incident is not an isolated case. Canada Soccer CEO and General Secretary Kevin Blue stated that "additional information has come to our attention regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games."

Priestman, who was hired in November 2020, led Canada to a gold medal at the 2021 Olympics. However, the team was eliminated in the group stage of last year's Women's World Cup. She has expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging her ultimate responsibility for the team's conduct.

Priestman's suspension comes as Canada prepares for its Group A matches in the Paris Olympics against host country France and Colombia.

The drone spying scandal has cast a negative light on the Canadian team and raised questions about the ethical practices of some members of the staff. The COC's independent review is expected to provide further details and recommendations to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.