Canada Women's Soccer Coach Steps Down Amid Drone Controversy

Canada's women's soccer coach, Bev Priestman, has opted to step down from their opening game against New Zealand at the Paris Olympics following drone incidents reported by New Zealand. Assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi were sent home. The Canadian Olympic Committee has apologized to New Zealand.

Canada women's soccer coach Bev Priestman announced Wednesday that she will step away from the team's opening game against New Zealand at the Paris Olympics following a pair of drone incidents.

New Zealand lodged a complaint with the International Olympic Committee's integrity unit, alleging that drones were flown over their practice sessions earlier this week.

Assistant coach Jasmine Mander and Canada Soccer analyst Joseph Lombardi have been sent home, according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.

“I am ultimately responsible for conduct in our program,” Priestman stated. “To emphasize our team's commitment to integrity, I have decided to voluntarily withdraw from coaching the match on Thursday. I do this with the interests of both teams in mind and to ensure the integrity and sportsmanship of the game.” Canada, the defending gold medalists, has also issued an apology to New Zealand.

“On behalf of our entire team, I want to apologize to the players and staff at New Zealand Football and to our own Team Canada players. This incident does not reflect our team's values,” Priestman added. French authorities detained a nonaccredited member of Canada's soccer team staff after a drone was seen above a training session.

The Canadian Olympic Committee has offered heartfelt apologies to New Zealand Football, affected players, and the New Zealand Olympic Committee.

“We are shocked and disappointed,” the committee stated. “We stand for fair play and apologize to all involved parties.” New Zealand's Olympic Committee reiterated its commitment to integrity and fairness, emphasizing their support for the women’s football team as they begin their Olympic campaign.

Interestingly, this isn't the first instance of a Canadian soccer team being involved in a drone controversy during international training. In 2021, Honduras halted a training session in Toronto before a men’s World Cup qualifier against Canada due to a similar drone sighting. That match ended in a 1-1 draw.