Canada Women’s boss Bev Priestman apologises to players after spy drone incident at Paris Olympics
BEV PRIESTMAN admitted to being “heartbroken” for Canada’s women’s side after they had six-points docked at the Paris Olympics.
Earlier today the Durham-born head coach apologised for the impact that drone spying accusations has had on the team’s players.
Priestman, 38, who guided the side to a gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 games, is one of three Canada Soccer officials suspended by Fifa from all football-related activity for 12 months.
The ban on the former Lionesses No2, and staff members Jasmine Mander and Joseph Lombardi, follows allegations of a drone being used to spy on Olympic rivals New Zealand’s training sessions.
And today Canada’s federal government announced it will withhold funding for women’s football team officials suspended by Fifa following the drone spying incident.
Canada must win their remaining group stage fixtures and will need results to go their way to keep their medal hopes alive.
Today Priestman’s legal representatives Lucentum Sports and Entertainment Law, shared a written statement from the head coach.
In it, she said: “I am absolutely heartbroken for the players and I would like to apologise from the bottom of my heart for the impact this situation has had on all of them.
“I know how hard they have worked following a difficult year in 2023, and that they are a group of people who care very much about sportsmanship and integrity.
“As the leader of the team on the field, I want to take accountability, and I plan to fully cooperate with the investigation.
“To Canada, I am sorry. You have been my home and a country I have fallen in love with.
“I hope you will continue to support these extremely talented and hardworking players, to help them defy all odds and show their true character.
“This programme and team have allowed this country to reach the pinnacle of women’s soccer, and their winning of the gold medal was earned through sheer grit and determination despite reports to the contrary.
“I fought with every ounce of my being to make this programme better, much of which will never be known or understood.
“I wish I could say more, but I will refrain at this time given the appeals process and the ongoing investigation. In the meantime, I will be cheering from afar.”
Last week New Zealand’s Olympic Committee lodged an official complaint with the IOC and reported to police that a drone was seen flying over their training session.
The drone was spotted hovering above their session ahead of their Thursday night clash with the reigning Olympic champions.
Following the complaint Priestman withdrew from attending her side’s group stage duel with the Kiwis, which Canada won 2-1 in Saint-Etienne.
The head coach was removed from her role at the games by Canada’s Olympic Committee last Thursday after being suspended by the country’s soccer association.
This followed her assistant Mander and non-accredited analyst Lombardi also being dismissed from the team’s camp by the COC.
The COC stated this occurred after a second drone incident had emerged.
The country’s national soccer association have also been handed a £175,720 fine as part of the sanctions announced by Fifa.