Bev Priestman’s dismissal from the Paris Olympics in the wake of the Canada spying scandal raises questions over the future — let alone the legacy — of a coach previously regarded as one of the most respected in the women’s international game.
In a press conference on Friday, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) chief executive David Shoemaker announced he has since learned of “previous drone use against opponents predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games”, which also risks tainting one of Canada’s proudest modern-day sporting achievements.
Their gold medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021 was Canada’s first in women’s football and earned Priestman back-to-back nominations for the Best FIFA Coach of the Year award. There will be no third act any time soon: FIFA disciplinary proceedings have resulted in Priestman’s suspension from any soccer-related activity for one year. Canada assistant coach Jasmine Mander and the staff member who flew the drone, Joseph Lombardi, are also suspended from soccer for one year. FIFA has deducted six points from the team’s Olympic group-stage total. Canada have lodged an appeal against the points deduction but, either way, the chances of a second successive gold feel slim.
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Canada, New Zealand and how an Olympics spying scandal…
