Bev Priestman, the Canadian women’s coach who had been banned following a drone spying incident at the Paris Olympics, was fired on Tuesday after an independent inquiry.
Assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi were both fired as Canada Soccer announced its investigation results.
New Zealand complained about a drone flying above practices before the start of the Olympics, causing FIFA to fine Canada Soccer $228,000 and deduct six standings points. The international soccer governing body suspended Priestman, Mander, and Lombardi for a year.
Despite the penalty, Canada advanced to the group stage before losing to Germany on penalty kicks in the quarterfinals.
Attorney Sonia Regenbogen of Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark conducted the investigation and discovered no proof that Canadian players viewed the drone film. However, it discovered that assistant coaches and other support personnel “did not feel they could challenge the authority of the head coach.”
Priestman, who could not be reached for comment, guided Canada to gold at the Tokyo Games. The review discovered that no drones were utilized in Japan, but two national team coaches engaged in inappropriate monitoring “predating the 2024 Paris Olympics.”
“The findings of the independent investigator reveal that the drone incident in Paris was a symptom of a past pattern of an unacceptable culture and insufficient oversight within the national teams,” the CEO of Canada Soccer, Kevin Blue, said in a statement. “This is no longer part of our operation. In fact, the conclusions of the study increase our resolve to continue implementing changes that are required to improve Canada Soccer in all respects, and to do so urgently. Even if the independent investigation is complete, more work has to be done to change the course of events.
The study also determined that allegations that the men’s squad utilized drones to spy on an opponent during the Copa America were baseless. However, it discovered “potential violations” by former Canadian men’s coach John Herdman, who was not interrogated due to schedule conflicts.
“Potential violations of the Canada Soccer Code of Conduct and Ethics by the former head coach of the Men’s National Team were identified,” the organization stated in a summary of the probe. “Under the Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code, a disciplinary process is being initiated to adjudicate these potential violations.”
Herdman departed Canada Soccer last year and now coaches Toronto FC in Major League Soccer.
“The organization will thoroughly analyze and process the report’s conclusions over the next few days. Both MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment) and Toronto FC will make no further comments until the review process is concluded,” the club said in a statement.
In July, Herdman stated, “I can again clarify that at a FIFA World Cup, pinnacle event, Olympic Games, and Youth World Cup, those activities have not been undertaken.”
