Former Canada Soccer coach John Herdman was reportedly aware of the use of drones to spy on other teams during his reign.
(Re)read “FIFA deducts six points from the Canadian women’s team”
This is what renowned soccer journalist Tom Bogert reveals. Six sources, all requesting anonymity, are said to have corroborated the story.
Herdman was named head coach of the Canadian women’s team in 2011. Seven years later, he held the same role with the men’s team, before leaving in 2023 to lead Toronto FC.
Canada has faced two allegations of cheating during its mandate. The first, against the United States in 2019, and the second, against Honduras, in 2021.
Herdman denied any involvement in the spying process at a news conference Friday. “I am very confident that during my time as coach, we were never involved in any of these activities.” [d’espionnage des équipes adverses] ” he commented.
Canada Soccer has indicated that an independent investigation will be conducted. Herdman has assured that he will participate in any such process.
Many times
The use of drones by Canada Soccer could potentially be systemic, as President and CEO Kevin Blue hinted at a press conference in Paris.
“I have received new information […] which give me reason to believe that this kind of method was potentially systemic within the organization,” he said, adding that “the situation would be much more complex” than he originally believed.
A Canada Soccer employee was intercepted a few days ago while flying a drone while monitoring the training of the New Zealanders, the Canadians’ first opponents at the Paris Games.
TSN then revealed that Canada had allegedly been spying on its rivals for years. In response, the Canadian Olympic Committee removed head coach Bev Priestman from her role on its delegation and Canada Soccer suspended her. FIFA has now suspended her for a full year.