Canada Manager Misses Opener Amid Scandal

British coach Beverly Priestman manages the Canada women's team, which won gold in Tokyo in 2021.

Canada women’s football manager Beverly Priestman will miss her team’s opening match against New Zealand at the Olympics due to a controversy involving her backroom staff. Priestman, aged 38, has voluntarily withdrawn from the game in St Etienne after allegations surfaced that her staff members flew a drone over New Zealand’s training session.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee reported spotting a drone during their training on Monday, which prompted immediate action. Consequently, the authorities sent home Assistant Coach Jasmine Mander and “unaccredited analyst” Joseph Lombardi. Additionally, Fifa has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Canada Soccer, Priestman, Lombardi and Mander.

Furthermore, the Canadian Olympic Committee revealed that Lombardi sent a scouting report to Mander which contributed to the controversy. Priestman accepted responsibility for her staff’s actions and issued an apology. “I want to apologise to the players and staff at New Zealand Football and to the players on Team Canada. This does not represent the values that our team stands for,” she stated. “I am ultimately responsible for conduct in our program.”

Moreover, the Canadian Olympic Committee confirmed that authorities detained a “non-accredited member of the Canada Soccer support team.” They expressed shock and disappointment in a statement, apologizing to New Zealand Football, the affected players and the New Zealand Olympic Committee.

In response, the New Zealand Olympic Committee has lodged a formal complaint with the IOC integrity unit and requested Canada to conduct a full review. They expressed deep shock and disappointment, emphasizing their commitment to upholding the integrity and fairness of the Olympic Games. As a result, this incident has overshadowed the start of the women’s football tournament.