CSA releases findings of investigation on Olympic drone use

OTTAWA, ON–On Tuesday, the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) released a summary of findings of an independent investigation into the use of drones to spy on opposition during the 2024 Paris Olympics by coaches on the Women’s National Team. The investigation was conducted by Sonia Regenbogen of Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark, LLP, The discovery was made when New Zealand’s Olympic Committee complained to the IOC’s integrity unit that drones had been flown over a pair of pre-tournament practice sessions ahead of its opening game against Canada.

Head coach Bev Priestman, assistant coach Jasmine Mander, and analyst Joey Lombardi were sent home by the CSA and later given one-year bans by FIFA. Canada was docked six points for the incident, though still reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Germany. On Tuesday, it was announced that Priestman would not return as women’s national team coach.

“The findings of the independent investigator reveal that the incident itself was a symptom of a difficult and unacceptable past culture within the national teams,” Canada Soccer chief executive officer and general secretary Kevin Blue and president and board chair Peter Augruso said in a separate statement posted to social media.

“Quite simply, while players on the national teams performed admirably, cultural standards and management of the programs dating back several years fell short of expectations.”

The investigation is still looking into possible violations by former women’s and men’s national team head coach John Herdman who is now coaching Toronto FC. Herdman has denied any wrongdoing. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, owners of Toronto FC, released a statement:

“[Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment] is in receipt of the public report from Canada Soccer today outlining the findings of the external investigation into scouting practices and potential involvement of current members of the Toronto FC staff,” the statement read. “The organization will thoroughly review and process the report’s findings over the coming days. Both MLSE and Toronto FC will reserve any further comment until that review process has been completed.”

The allegation of drone use by the men’s national team to film opponents was unsubstantiated according to the report. The report also states that when current men’s coach Jesse Marsch became aware, he told staff that drone filming for “legitimate purposes such as filming the men’s team’s own practice sessions” must be cleared in advance.

A list of organizational changes mentioned that are underway or forthcoming include:

• Contractually mandated reporting of unethical behaviour and new software to facilitate confidential reporting
• Enhanced education and annual attestation regarding the Code of Conduct and Ethics
• Implementation of a new independent Audit and Compliance Committee to oversee organizational compliance
• Context-specific management training for administrators who work with national team coaches
• Modernization of the organization’s by-laws
• Review of the size and skills matrix of the Board
• Optimal participation of athletes in the governance structure and strong engagement of athletes by management
• Improvement of Board evaluations and provision of skills and governance training