The Canadian Olympic Committee has appointed a new leader for Canada's national women's football squad amidst an unfolding inquiry into drone-related allegations during the Paris Games.
Assistant coach Andy Spence will take over from head coach Bev Priestman, who stepped down after two team staff members were implicated in using drones for espionage purposes against New Zealand's practice sessions.
Priestman did not participate in Canada's match against New Zealand following the allegations and has since distanced herself from any wrongdoing while awaiting the conclusion of an investigation by the International Olympic Committee and Fifa.
In a statement, Kevin Blue, CEO of Canadian Soccer, acknowledged prior drone activities during opponent matches but emphasized that Priestman's suspension is limited to the Paris 2024 Olympics period. The decision includes a thorough review being conducted independently by external parties.
On Wednesday, Jasmine Mander and Joseph Lombardi were dismissed from their roles within the team after the COC took notice of the drone incident. Priestman's resignation was accepted in light of her commitment to transparency and accountability for Canada's national sports program.
The decision marks a significant change, as Priestman had been at the helm since January 2021 after succeeding Kenneth Heiner-Møller. With an impressive track record that includes guiding the team to victory in Tokyo and managing previous wins against various opponents during her tenure with Canadian Soccer, Priestman's departure signifies a moment of reflection on ethical practices within national sports leadership.
Priestman’s journey in coaching spans across continents, including stints at the Canada Soccer Association, New Zealand's women's football development programs, and roles with England's women's teams. Her career transition back to her home country has been marked by dedication and a strong focus on elevating the standards of women's sports in Canada.
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