Bev Priestman suspended

Bev Priestman, head coach of Canada’s women’s national soccer team, has been suspended amid a drone spying scandal, following incidents where drones were used to surveil training sessions of rival teams, including New Zealand. Assistant coach Andy Spence will take over for the remainder of the Paris 2024 Olympics after the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) found 'additional information' related to previous drone usage against opponents. The scandal escalated after a Canada Soccer employee was arrested for flying a drone over New Zealand's training, leading to disciplinary actions including the expulsion of two staff members. Priestman initially stepped back from coaching for the match against New Zealand but was later sent home after an independent review was initiated. The incidents have drawn parallels to other sports scandals involving high-tech spying, such as the NFL's Spygate and MLB’s sign-stealing scandal. An external review into the culture of ethics within Canada Soccer’s programs has also been announced.