Canada Soccer stated that "additional information regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games," prompted the action. Priestman, who is 38 and originally from England, had "voluntarily" stepped back from her side's opening 2-1 victory over New Zealand on Thursday. Additionally, Priestman's assistant, Jasmine Mander, and "unaccredited analyst" Joseph Lombardi were sent home.
A French court sentenced Lombardi to an eight-month suspended jail term for flying a drone in an urban area without a license. Canada Soccer's chief executive, Kevin Blue, confirmed that Priestman would be suspended for the remainder of the Games pending an "independent external review."
Assistant coach Andy Spence will take over for the rest of the Games, with Canada set to face France next on Sunday. At a news conference on Friday, Canadian Olympic Committee chief executive David Shoemaker explained that Canada Soccer's accumulation of facts led to Priestman's suspension. Shoemaker reviewed the information and concluded that Priestman was likely aware of the incidents.
In a statement on Wednesday, Priestman took responsibility for her colleagues' actions after receiving a scouting report from Lombardi that was sent to Mander. She apologized to New Zealand Football and Team Canada players and staff, emphasizing that the behavior did not reflect the team's values. Priestman accepted responsibility for the conduct within the program.
Shoemaker expressed confidence in the team's ability to compete but acknowledged the possibility of further action if new information emerged. FIFA also launched disciplinary proceedings against Priestman, Lombardi, and Mander on Wednesday.
Priestman's background includes starting her professional coaching career with Canada's Under-17 women's team in 2013, progressing to the Under-20 side, and later returning to England to coach the England Under-17 women's team. Recognized for her abilities, she was brought in as an assistant coach by Phil Neville, the former England women's head coach, in 2018.
Priestman led Canada to Olympic gold in Tokyo 2021, defeating Sweden on penalties in the final. Despite early success, Canada's performance declined, failing to progress beyond the group stage in the 2023 World Cup. Priestman is married to former New Zealand midfielder Emma Humphries.
