Canadian Women's Soccer Coach Suspended for One Year Olympic

Canadian Women's Soccer Coach Suspended for One Year Olympic

PARIS — The coach of the Canadian women's soccer team has been handed a one-year suspension following a spying controversy at the Olympic Games, according to a statement released by FIFA's disciplinary committee on Saturday.

Moreover, the Canadian Olympic team, which clinched the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, faces a six-point deduction in the group stage, effectively ending their chances of progressing further in the tournament.

The scandal erupted on Friday when details of the espionage emerged. David Shoemaker, head of the Canadian Olympic Committee, expressed his dismay, stating, "We are utterly shocked and disappointed." He further added, "This is a frustrating moment for all Canadians."

The incident was triggered by the arrest of an individual in Saint-Etienne, France. The local prosecutor revealed that the person associated with the Canadian team had used a drone on two occasions to film the New Zealand women's team’s closed training sessions. The footage captured on July 22 depicted the New Zealand players executing their coach's strategies, with an additional previously undisclosed instance occurring on July 20 at Michon stadium in Saint-Etienne.

Canada's women's coach, Beverly Priestman, initially volunteered to sit out Canada’s match against New Zealand on Thursday, which Canada won 2-1. Subsequently, on Thursday, Canada’s soccer federation announced Priestman’s suspension for the remainder of the Olympic Games.

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"Over the past 24 hours, new information has emerged regarding earlier instances of drone use against other teams, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games," stated Kevin Blue, CEO of Canada Soccer. "In light of these revelations, Canada Soccer has decided to suspend Women's National Soccer Team Head Coach, Bev Priestman, for the remainder of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and pending the conclusion of our independent external review."

"We are committed to thoroughly investigating this situation and will take appropriate actions based on the verified information," Blue mentioned during a press conference on Friday.

For the duration of the Olympics, assistant coach Andy Spence will lead the Canadian team.