Canadian women’s soccer head coach Bev Priestman has been suspended for the remainder of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by Canada Soccer, the organization announced in a statement on Thursday.
‘Additional information has come to our attention regarding drone use,’ organization says
Bev Priestman’s time at the Paris Olympics ended before the opening ceremony.
The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed the head coach of its women’s national team for the remainder of the Games amid a drone spying scandal.
The COC added in a statement released at 1:24 a.m. local time that assistant coach Andy Spence will lead the defending gold medallists for the remainder of the tournament.
Canada Soccer CEO and general secretary Kevin Blue said in the COC release “additional information has come to our attention regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”
He added Priestman is suspended from her duties until the end of the tournament and the completion of the organization’s independent external review.
Evelyne Viens scored the game-winning goal in the 79th minute as the defending Olympic champions rallied to a 2-1 victory over New Zealand.