An investigation into conduct by members of Canada Soccer revealed “a pattern of an unacceptable culture and insufficient oversight within the national teams,” the organization’s CEO said.
The findings of the investigation, conducted by Sonia Regenbogen of Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark, LLP, were released Tuesday.
“Even though the independent investigation has been concluded, there is more to be done to set things on a new course,” Kevin Blue, CEO of Canada Soccer, said in a statement. “We will continue to scrutinize the cultural and ethical foundations of our organization and we will dig in to learn more. As we do, we will take additional steps to ensure compliance with our ethical standards and Code of Conduct, and we will communicate to stakeholders as appropriate.”
Head coach Bev Priestman and two others on her staff, Jasmine Mander and Joseph Lombardi, were suspended for one year by FIFA for their roles in a drone spying scandal at the Paris Olympics involving the women’s national team. Canada Soccer said Tuesday that all three will not be returning to the organization.
Findings from the independent report also concluded:
- Two of the women’s national team coaches directed, approved and condoned the actions taken by a third member of the women’s national team coaching staff to film practices of an opposing team at the Paris Olympics using a drone.
- Some assistant coaches and staff members felt uncomfortable with the practice of spying on opponents but did not feel they could challenge the authority of the head coach. Two of the women’s national team coaches directed acts of improper surveillance predating the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- Potential violations of the Canada Soccer Code of Conduct and Ethics by the former head coach of the men’s national team were identified. Pursuant to the Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code, a disciplinary process is being initiated to adjudicate these potential violations.
- The allegation of drone usage by a member of the men’s national team coaching staff to film the practice of an opponent at (this summer’s) Copa America was not substantiated.
- Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue and president Peter Augruso did not condone the use of drones for surveillance of opponents and were not previously aware of the use of drones for such surveillance.
Canada Soccer said further discipline will be handed down in private and will factor in conduct expectations and power dynamics in each situation.
The organization also revealed that former national team head coach and current Toronto FC head coach John Herdman was not interviewed as part of the investigation due to scheduling conflicts.
— With files from The Canadian Press