An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and “sent home immediately,” according to the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC).
“The COC is in contact with the (International Olympic Committee) and in contact with FIFA. Canada Soccer has been transparent and cooperative throughout the process,” a statement issued Wednesday by the COC reads, adding that further action may be taken as review of the incident continues.
The team’s head coach will also remove herself from an upcoming match against New Zealand, the COC said following a drone incident earlier this week that occurred ahead of the Paris Games.
“On behalf of our entire team, I first and foremost want to apologize to the players and staff at New Zealand Football and to the players on Team Canada. This does not represent the values that our team stands for,” said Bev Priestman, head coach of Canada Soccer’s women’s national team, in a statement.
“I am ultimately responsible for conduct in our program. Accordingly, to emphasize our team’s commitment to integrity, I have decided to voluntarily withdraw from coaching the match on Thursday. In the spirit of accountability, I do this with the interests of both teams in mind and to ensure everyone feels that the sportsmanship of this game is upheld.”
This is a breaking news update. More information to come.