Canada Soccer announced that it has parted ways with head coach Bev Priestman following an investigation into her involvement in a drone surveillance scandal at the recent Paris Olympics.
The move marks a stunning end to Priestman’s tenure, which once saw her lead Canada’s women’s soccer team to a historic gold medal victory at the Tokyo Games.
The independent review, led by attorney Sonia Regenbogen of Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark, found no evidence that players viewed the drone footage, yet revealed significant organizational issues. It cited an atmosphere where support staff, including assistant coaches, reportedly “did not feel they could challenge the authority of the head coach,” contributing to an unhealthy team culture.
Priestman, along with assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi, was suspended by FIFA for one year and fined $228,000, with an additional six standings points deducted from Canada’s FIFA record. Despite these penalties, Canada advanced through the Olympic group stage before being eliminated by Germany in the quarterfinals.
The scandal initially surfaced when New Zealand raised concerns over a drone spotted near their practice sessions. FIFA launched an inquiry, imposing fines and penalties on Canada Soccer after confirming the unauthorized surveillance.
Kevin Blue, CEO of Canada Soccer, commented that the investigation highlighted “a past pattern of an unacceptable culture and insufficient oversight,” reinforcing the organization’s need for structural reform.
Alongside the women’s team issues, the investigation examined but ultimately dismissed allegations of a similar drone incident involving the men’s team at the Copa America. However, potential violations were flagged concerning former men’s head coach John Herdman, who now coaches Toronto FC.
Although Herdman was unavailable for questioning, Canada Soccer has opened a disciplinary process to review these findings under the organization’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Toronto FC and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) have reserved further comment, pending a comprehensive review of the report’s findings.
