Canadian Women’s Football Team Hit by Spying Scandal, Coach Withdraws from Opener
The Canadian women’s football team has been rocked by a spying scandal, resulting in the dismissal of two staff members and the voluntary withdrawal of head coach Bev Priestman from the opening match of their Olympic gold medal defense.
The incident came to light when a staff member was detained by French authorities for flying a drone over a New Zealand training session in Saint-Etienne. The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) subsequently learned of a second incident involving New Zealand, who lodged a formal complaint with the IOC integrity unit.
The COC has confirmed that the staff members sent home are Joseph Lombardi, an unaccredited analyst with Canada Soccer, and Jasmine Mander, an assistant coach to whom Lombardi reported.
Priestman, who is ultimately responsible for the conduct of her team, has decided to withdraw from coaching the match against New Zealand on Thursday as a gesture of accountability and to emphasize the team’s commitment to integrity.
“On behalf of our entire team, I first and foremost want to apologize to the players and staff at New Zealand Football and to the players on Team Canada,” Priestman said. “This does not represent the values that our team stands for.”
The COC has stated that it is in contact with the IOC and FIFA and that Canada Soccer has been cooperative throughout the investigation. The COC will continue to review the matter and may take further action if necessary.
The spying scandal has cast a shadow over the Canadian team’s Olympic campaign and raised questions about the ethics of such practices in sports. The team will now have to regroup and focus on their opening match without their head coach and two staff members.
