Olympics 2024: Canada coach 'likely' knew of drone spying - COC - ESPN

Canadian Olympic Committee CEO David Shoemaker said new information from Soccer Canada showed suspended women's coach Bev Priestman was likely aware of the drone use that has caused a scandal at the Paris Olympics.

The COC removed Priestman on Thursday after her suspension by Canada Soccer. The decision followed complaints from New Zealand that Canada flew drones over two of their training sessions before the two sides met in their opening Olympic fixture, which Canada won 2-1.

Assistant Andy Spence will coach Canada for the remainder of the Games.

Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue said he would not consider removing the Canadian team from the tournament.

«I feel frustrated about the distraction it has created but I have not considered withdrawal of the team,» he said during a Friday news conference. «Primarily because we feel like we have addressed the situation swiftly and significantly.… The players have not themselves engaged in unethical behaviour.»

Shoemaker also said he was comfortable with Canada's team remaining in Paris to defend their Olympic gold medal amid rumblings the team should be disqualified over the scandal that has thrust them into an unsavoury spotlight.

Blue confirmed that the men's team «attempted drone usage» to gather information during the recently concluded Copa América in the United States, and added that coach Jesse Marsch subsequently denounced the practice to his staff.

He said it was his understanding that it did not have an impact on the competitive integrity of the match but would not offer details.

Blue said Marsch was «aware of it after the fact at a minimum.»

After media reports of previous drone use by Canada's women's team, including at the last Olympics, he added that the thought that