Canada women’s soccer coach suspended, pulled from Olympics

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) says Bev Priestman, the Women’s National Team head coach, has been removed from the games.

The committee cited a suspension from Canada Soccer as the reason behind the move.

“Over the past 24 hours, additional information has come to our attention regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” COC said in a statement.

“In light of these new revelations, Canada Soccer has made the decision to suspend Women’s National Team Head Coach, Bev Priestman, for the remainder of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and until the completion of our recently announced independent external review.”

This comes just days after two staffers were sent home for the use of drones to allegedly spy on a New Zealand team practice ahead of a match.

Priestman removed herself from coaching the first game after this incident, issuing an apology.

The chief executive officer and general secretary of Canada Soccer is now reportedly investigating a “potential ethical shortcoming” as a result of the drone use.

With Priestman out for the remainder of the games, COC said assistant coach Andy Spence will lead the charge.

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