Paris Olympics 2024: Canada Olympic Committee Suspends Women’s Football Coach Bev Priestman After Spying Scandal
The incident occurred ahead of Canada women's opening encounter against New Zealand when the Kiwis reported a drone being flown over their training session, a drone that was traced back to the Canadian team. Due to the scandalous incident, Priestman was not present with the team on the touchline during their 2-1 win over New Zealand.
Mumbai, July 26: Following the 'drone flying scandal' that has hindered the start of the 2024 Paris Olympics for the Canada Women’s football team, the Canada Olympic Committee has announced the suspension of head coach Bev Priestman until the end of the tournament. Following the conclusion of the tournament, Canada Soccer will be conducting an ‘independent external review’ to determine Bev’s future with the side. Canada Team Coach Bev Priestman Banned From Paris Olympics 2024 for Spying on New Zealand Women's Football Team With Drones.
"Over the past 24 hours, additional information has come to our attention regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In light of these new revelations, Canada Soccer has made the decision to suspend women’s national soccer team head coach, Bev Priestman for the remainder of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and until the completion of our recently announced independent external review,” read the statement by the COC on their website.
Assistant coach Andy Spence will lead the team for the remainder of the Games. The incident occurred ahead of Canada women's opening encounter against New Zealand when the Kiwis reported a drone being flown over their training session, a drone that was traced back to the Canadian team. Due to the scandalous incident, Priestman was not present with the team on the touchline during their 2-1 win over New Zealand. Mallory Swanson’s Two Goals Lead USA Over Zambia at Paris Olympics 2024, Canada Tops New Zealand After Drone Scandal.
Bev joined the Canadian team in October 2020 and went on to lead the side to a gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Under her tenure, the team sits at number eight in the FIFA rankings and she recently signed a new contract that would have seen her stay at the helm till the 2027 FIFA World Cup. Alongside Priestman, Joseph Lombardi, an analyst and Jasmine Mander, a coach who oversees Lombardi have also been sent home from the squad.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2024 01:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).