Canada’s Tokyo Gold at Risk: Drone Scandal Engulfs Women’s Soccer Team

The Canadian soccer world is in turmoil as a burgeoning drone scandal threatens to overshadow the country’s recent sporting triumphs. The use of drones by the Canadian national team to gather intelligence on opponents has come to light, casting a long shadow over their 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal win.

The controversy erupted following the dismissal of head coach Bev Priestman after a drone was spotted hovering over New Zealand’s training session ahead of a recent match. Investigations have since revealed a systemic issue within Canadian soccer, with both the men’s and women’s teams allegedly employing this tactic.

A Systemic Issue

Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue admitted to receiving “anecdotal feedback” about drone use during the men’s team’s Copa America campaign. While coach Jesse Marsch was reportedly unaware of the practice until after the tournament, Blue acknowledged a potential “systemic ethical shortcoming” within the organization.

The revelation has sent shockwaves through the sporting community, with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) expressing deep concern. COC CEO David Shoemaker stated, “It makes me ill, it makes me sick to my stomach to think that there could be something that calls it into question.”

Former women’s team manager John Herdman, who led the team to the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, has distanced himself from the allegations, expressing confidence that such practices were not employed during his tenure. However, he has pledged to cooperate with the ongoing internal review.

Potential Sanctions and Fallout

The fallout from the drone scandal is far-reaching. Priestman, a former assistant coach with England’s women’s team, has been suspended, and her assistant, Jasmine Mander, along with “unaccredited analyst” Joseph Lombardi, have been sent home. Lombardi has already received an eight-month suspended jail sentence in France for flying a drone without a license.

Canada Soccer is now facing the possibility of sanctions from FIFA, football’s world governing body. While CEO Kevin Blue expressed hope that the players would not be punished, given their lack of involvement, the organization is bracing for potential consequences.

As investigations deepen, the future of the Canadian women’s soccer team hangs in the balance. The once-celebrated Tokyo gold medal now appears tarnished, and the nation’s reputation in the world of sports is facing a severe test.

The scandal has sparked widespread condemnation and raised questions about the ethics in sports. As the story unfolds, the world will be watching to see how Canadian soccer responds to this crisis and whether it can restore its tarnished image.