Canada soccer coach Bev Priestman has issued a public apology to her players and vowed to assist in the investigation into a drone-spying incident.
The team was penalized with a six-point deduction and Priestman received a one-year ban after her assistants were caught using drones to spy on New Zealand’s training sessions ahead of their opening match.
Bev Priestman remorseful
Priestman expressed her remorse, stating, “I am heartbroken for the players and deeply apologize for the impact this has had on them.” She also committed to taking responsibility and fully cooperating with the investigation.
Despite the sanctions, Canada managed to keep their hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over France, thanks to a late goal from Vanessa Gilles. However, they remain pointless and must win their final Group A game against Colombia to advance.
The team’s wild celebrations after the winning goal were likely a release of the pressure they’ve been under since the scandal broke. Priestman, who led Canada to Olympic gold in 2021, also apologized to the nation but defended her legacy, emphasizing the team’s hard-earned success.
The fallout from the drone scandal includes a complaint made at the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship, suggesting this may not be an isolated incident. FIFA has imposed a $226,000 fine on Canada Soccer and banned Priestman and two of her coaches.
Canada’s sports minister, Carla Qualtrough, announced the government would withhold funding for suspended officials, calling the drone surveillance “cheating” and a “distraction” for all Canadians.
An embarrassment for Canada
Meanwhile, Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue revealed knowledge of a possible drone incident involving the men’s national team at the Copa America, which was denounced by men’s coach Jesse Marsch.
The case is a significant embarrassment for the Canadian federation, which is co-hosting the 2026 men’s World Cup with the United States and Mexico. Canada Soccer and the Canadian Olympic Committee are planning to appeal the points deduction, and interim coach Andy Spence has taken the reins, promising to lead the team to the best of his ability.
Former player Diana Matheson rallied support on social media, declaring, “Take 6 points away from us? Fine, let’s go get 9.”
The scandal unfolded when New Zealand complained about drones hovering over their practice, leading to the dismissal of two team staff members and Priestman’s subsequent suspension.
The team’s fate now hangs in the balance as they await the outcome of their appeal and prepare for their crucial match against Colombia.