The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) has removed Bev Priestman, the head coach of Canada’s women’s soccer team, after she was suspended by Canada Soccer.
The suspension is due to allegations that she used drones to spy on rival teams.
On Thursday night, July 25, the COC announced that assistant coach, Andy Spence, will take over for the rest of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue stated that new information about previous drone use against opponents has come to light.
As a result, Priestman has been suspended for the rest of the Games and until a thorough review is completed.
Priestman did not coach in Canada’s 2-1 win over New Zealand on Thursday. The match was affected by a drone incident where a Canada Soccer staff member disrupted New Zealand’s training just before the game.
Priestman apologized to New Zealand’s team, taking full responsibility for the incident.
“This does not represent the values that our team stands for. I am ultimately responsible for the conduct in our programme,” she said.
FIFA has started disciplinary actions against Canada Soccer, Priestman, and two staff members who were removed from the Games. Canada Soccer has announced an independent review into the incident and its ethical practices.
The Canadian women’s team will play France on Sunday in Saint-Etienne.
