Canadian women's soccer coach removed from Olympics after drone controversy

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The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women’s national soccer head coach Bev Priestman for the remainder of the Paris Games after staffers allegedly used a drone to spy on an opponent.

Two Canadian team staffers, assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi, were "sent home immediately" for allegedly using a drone to spy on a New Zealand practice.

Canada beat New Zealand, 2-1, Thursday.

Priestman, who has denied involvement, initially volunteered to step away from the club prior to the committee's decision.

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Bev Priestman, the head coach of Canada, during a match against Mexico at BMO Field June 4, 2024, in Toronto. (Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

It isn't just the New Zealand incident in question, however. Canada Soccer CEO and General Secretary Kevin Blue said in a COC release that "additional information has come to our attention regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games."

Blue added that Priestman was suspended from her duties until the end of the tournament and the completion of the organization’s independent external review.

Lombardi, 43, was arrested for flying a drone over Auguste Dury Stadium Monday and filming two closed-door New Zealand training sessions. He then admitted to the charges and was sentenced to eight months in prison.

The COC identified Lombardi as "an unaccredited analyst with Canada Soccer." 

Beverly Priestman, head coach of Canada, gestures during the quarterfinals of the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup against Costa Rica at BMO Stadium March 2, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Omar Vega/Getty Images)

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