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2024 Paris Olympics

Andy Spence takes charge as Priestman flies solo amid Canada spy scandal

Bev Priestman

The Canada Soccer spy scandal took another twist and turn on Wednesday when it was revealed that a Canada Soccer non-accredited support analyst flew a drone over the New Zealand training session multiple times. The first was on July 19, then again on July 22.

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Joe Lombardi has been identified as the drone pilot and has been subsequently sent home to Canada. Assistant Coach Jasmine Mander, who Lombardi reports to, was also removed from the Canadian Olympic Team.  

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The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) has accepted Head Coach Bev Priestman’s decision to remove herself from coaching Canada’s match against New Zealand on July 25.

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The COC has been in contact with the IOC and FIFA. Canada Soccer has been transparent and cooperative throughout the process, the COC said in a statement. The COC will continue to review this matter and may take further action if necessary.

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