The head of Canada Soccer said he is investigating a potential “systemic ethical shortcoming” as the organization deals with a drone-spying scandal at the Paris Olympics.
Kevin Blue, Canada Soccer’s chief executive officer and general secretary said women’s coach Bev Priestman is suspended from her duties until the end of the tournament and the future of her role is pending the outcome of the organization’s review.
Blue said in the COC release “additional information has come to our attention regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”
Blue said players on the Canadian women’s team were not involved in any unethical behaviour.
Assistant coach Andy Spence will lead the defending gold medallists for the remainder of the tournament.
Canada’s camp was thrown into disarray this week after two team staffers were sent home for allegedly using a drone to spy on a New Zealand practice. Priestman denied any involvement, but did not attend Thursday’s 2-1 victory over New Zealand as FIFA — soccer’s world governing body — and the International Olympic Committee investigate.
Canadian Olympic Committee chief executive officer David Shoemaker told reporters in Paris that Priestman was likely aware that drones were used to spy on New Zealand’s practices in France. Priestman has denied the allegation.
Blue also said there was an incident involving the men’s national team at Copa America, but did not provide details.
Canada, the defending Olympic champion, defeated New Zealand 2-1 on Thursday in its opening match.
