What happened with Canadian soccer team at Paris Olympics 2024? Everything about the 'drone use' controversy explained

By Soumik Bhattacharya

Modified Jul 26, 2024 17:34 GMT

Even before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, Canada's soccer team faced a critical blow with their head coach Bev Priestman sent back home. This came after some of the staff members of the Women's team, along with Priestman, were found to be allegedly spying on opponent practice sessions with drones.

Besides Priestman, one of the assistant coaches, Jasmine Mander, and chief analyst Joey Lombardi were sent back by Canada Soccer. Reports from TSN suggest that French police caught Lombardi operating a drone over the practice sessions of the New Zealand Women's Soccer Team.

Priestman along with Mander and Lombardi were also not present in the dugout during Canada's win against New Zealand on Thursday.

Kevin Blue, CEO of the Canada Soccer organizing body, recently issued a statement, explaining the background of the scenario. He wrote:

"Over the past 24 hours, additional information has come to our attention regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In light of these revelations, Canada Soccer has made the decision to suspend the Women's National Soccer Team Head Coach, Bev Priestman for the remainder of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games."

Through his statement, Blue has also ordered an external review of Priestman through which she will be properly assessed and investigated for her involvement in the alleged drone spying. The International Olympic Committee and Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) will also run seperate investigations into the case.

According to the TSN report, staff from both the Canadian men's and women's teams have engaged in spying over the last few years. This includes the women's gold medal run at the Tokyo Olympics as well as international games ahead of the 2022 Women's World Cup.

Following Priestaman's suspension, assistant coach Andy Spence will take over the Canadian Women's Soccer for their remaining games in the Paris Olympics.

All you need to know about the Canadian Women's Soccer team's schedule in the Paris Olympics

Canadian Women's Soccer Team (IMAGE: GETTY)

The Canadian Women's Soccer team's gold medal defence began on Thursday, July 25, against New Zealand. The defending champions cruised to victory 2-1 with a 79' minute goal from Evelyne Veins.

The Canadian Women's team will next face France on Sunday (July 28, 3 PM ET). The French Women's team is currently at the top of the table from Group A, courtesy a 3-2 win against Colombia.

The third and final match of the group stage for the Canadian side is against Colombia and will be played on Wednesday (July 31).