Canada accused of expanding drone use amid growing scandal
MARSEILLE, France — Struggling Canada women’s soccer coach Bev Priestman expressed regret to her players Sunday and vowed to collaborate with an investigation into the drone-spying scandal at the Paris Olympics.
The team lost six points, and Priestman was prohibited for a year after two of her aides were apprehended using drones to observe New Zealand’s practices prior to their initial game on Wednesday.
“I am absolutely devastated for the players, and I would like to offer my sincerest apologies for the effect this situation has had on all of them,” Priestman said in a statement. “As the team’s leader on the field, I want to take responsibility, and I intend to fully cooperate with the investigation.”
Priestman guided Canada to the Olympic championship in Tokyo in 2021, but her standing has been tainted by the scandal, which has brought up inquiries about the actions of the country’s men’s and women’s soccer squads and the extent of the problem.
She also said sorry to Canada as a nation but seemed to attempt to uphold her legacy.
“This program and team have permitted this country to reach the peak of women’s soccer, and their attainment of the gold medal was achieved through sheer determination and effort, despite reports suggesting otherwise,” she stated. “I fought tirelessly to enhance this program, much of which will remain unseen or unappreciated. I wish I could disclose more, but I will abstain at this time, given the appeals process and the ongoing investigation.”
It has been disclosed that a protest against the women’s squad for capturing an opponent’s training session was filed during the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship, which acted as a qualifying event for last year’s Women’s World Cup.
The disclosure is a consequence of the drone scandal.
FIFA prohibited Priestman — who had already been dismissed from France — two of her coaches, and imposed a hefty $226,000 penalty on Canada Soccer.
Canada was considering an appeal but stated they suspected a “systemic ethical deficiency.”
Furthermore, Canada sports minister Carla Qualtrough mentioned the government will suspend funding “connected to suspended Canada Soccer officials for the duration of their FIFA punishment.” Drone surveillance of a private practice, she stated, “is dishonest.” She described the incident as a “significant distraction and humiliation” for all Canadians.
Canada Soccer CEO and general secretary Kevin Blue revealed this week that he was informed of a potential drone occurrence involving the men’s national team at the recent Copa America.
He stated that it did not affect the competition’s integrity but declined to provide specifics.
When asked if men’s coach Jesse Marsch was informed about possible drone usage at the tournament that concluded this month in the United States, Blue mentioned that Marsch learned afterward and has “condemned it as a practice to his staff.” Canada was defeated in the Copa semifinals by Argentina 2-0.
A CONCACAF official verified a complaint at the 2022 W Championship but provided minimal details. The United States triumphed over Canada in the tournament final in Mexico, with both nations securing a place in the Women’s World Cup and Olympics.
The Sports Network in Canada reported other instances of surveillance, including at the Tokyo Games, citing undisclosed sources familiar with the filming.
FIFA declined to comment when asked by the AP if the issue would spark a broader inquiry into drone espionage in soccer.
The situation is a source of shame for the Canadian federation, which is partnering with the United States and Mexico to host the 2026 men’s World Cup in North America.
Meanwhile, Canada’s penalties are expected to head to the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s specialized Olympic court in Paris.
Canada Soccer and the Canadian Olympic Committee announced late Saturday that they intended to challenge the points deduction, which makes it challenging, but not impossible for Canada’s women to progress to the knockout stage.
“We are deeply sorry for the athletes on the Canadian women’s Olympic soccer team who, to the best of our knowledge, played no part in this matter,” David Shoemaker, the Olympic committee’s CEO and secretary general, stated in a release. “In solidarity with the athletes, along with Canada Soccer, we are exploring options for appeal related to the six-point deduction in this Olympic competition.”
Canada was scheduled to face France on Sunday evening in Saint-Etienne. Interim coach Andy Spence is leading the team, alongside assistant Neil Wood and goalkeepers coach Jen Herst.
“There’s no preparation for this,” Spence remarked at practice on Saturday. “I’ve been tasked with leading, and that’s what I will do to the best of my abilities.”
The Canadians triumphed 2-1 in their first match against New Zealand and currently have three points.
With a victory against France and another against Colombia in the final group game on Wednesday, it is conceivable that the Canadian team could progress despite the deduction.
Former national team player Diana Matheson expressed in a social media post that “Canadians are with you. … Take 6 points away from us? Fine, let’s go get 9.”
The scandal erupted in the days leading up to the Olympic tournament when New Zealand complained about drones flying over practice. Two team staff members, assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi, were sent home.
Priestman initially removed herself from the opener but was later suspended for the tournament.
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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games