In the wake of the drone scandal, the Canadian Olympic Committee has relieved Bev Priestman of her duties as head coach of the national women’s team at the Paris Olympics.
“The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed Canadian Women’s National Team Head Coach Bev Priestman from the Canadian Olympic Team due to her suspension by Canada Soccer,” read a COC statement released at 7:24 p.m. Thursday.
“Assistant coach Andy Spence will lead the women’s national team for the remainder of the Paris Olympics.”
Canada Soccer CEO and General Secretary Kevin Blue issued the following statement:
“Over the past 24 hours, additional information has come to our attention regarding the prior use of drones against adversaries, prior to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“In light of these new revelations, Canada Soccer has taken the decision to suspend Women’s National Team Head Coach Bev Priestman for the remainder of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and until the completion of our recently announced independent external review.”
The Canadian clan was plunged into turmoil this week after two team staff members were sent home for allegedly using a drone to spy on a New Zealand team training session.
Priestman has denied any involvement but was absent from the Maple Leafs’ 2-1 win over New Zealand on Thursday.
FIFA and the International Olympic Committee are investigating.
To see in video