Two Canadian women’s football team staff members, an assistant coach and an analyst, were dismissed from the Olympics on Wednesday due to their involvement in a spying scandal. Following this, Head Coach Bev Priestman announced she would not participate in the upcoming match against New Zealand, where Canada begins its defence of the gold medal.
This action was precipitated by French authorities detaining a staff member earlier in the week for operating a drone over a New Zealand training session in Saint-Etienne. Subsequently, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) became aware of another related incident. New Zealand has officially filed a complaint with the IOC integrity unit, seeking explanations from the Canadian side.
The COC has expressed its ongoing communication with the IOC and FIFA, asserting that Canada Soccer has maintained transparency and cooperation throughout the investigation. “We are committed to a thorough review of these incidents and are prepared to take additional steps if needed,” the COC stated.
Identified as Joseph Lombardi, an unaccredited analyst, and Jasmine Mander, an assistant coach, both staff members have now been sent home. Coach Priestman, taking responsibility for the oversight, chose to step back from her coaching duties for the Thursday game, emphasizing the team’s commitment to integrity. “Our actions must reflect the values we stand for, and I apologize to both New Zealand Football and our players and staff,” she declared.
