Suspensions Loom Over National Team as Canada Soccer Awaits Findings of Probe

Author:

Alexie Marone

|Published: September 23rd, 2024

Two months after announcing an independent investigation into the drone spying scandal that marred the Paris Olympics, Canada Soccer, like the rest of the sports world, is awaiting the results.

The probe was initiated following a complaint by New Zealand's Olympic Committee, which accused Canada of flying drones over their practice sessions.

Canada women's head coach Bev Priestman, assistant coach Jasmine Mander, and analyst Joseph Lombardi are currently serving one-year FIFA suspensions for their roles in the scandal.

Both Mander and Lombardi were sent home immediately, and Priestman removed herself from coaching duties for the team's opening match.

She later exited the team entirely following allegations of a broader culture of spying within the organization.

FIFA banned all three individuals from participating in any football-related activities for a year.

In response, Canada Soccer announced an external review to investigate the circumstances of the incident, as well as the organization's competitive ethics.

As of now, Canada Soccer is still waiting for findings from the review, which Sonia Regenbogen, a workplace investigation expert, leads.

The association has expressed its commitment to transparency but has not provided a timeline for when results will be available.

Notably, FIFA documents revealed that Canada Soccer has linked the practice of drone spying to former head coach John Herdman, claiming it may have originated during his tenure.

Herdman, now the coach of Toronto FC, has denied any wrongdoing at major tournaments but has offered to cooperate with the investigation.

As the Canadian women's team prepares for its next match against Spain in October, questions remain about who will lead the team.

Andy Spence, who managed the team during Priestman's absence, may continue in the interim.

The team managed to reach the knockout stage of the Olympics despite being docked six points due to the scandal, eventually falling to Germany in a penalty shootout.