Canadian women’s soccer coach Bev Priestman said she is taking accountability and co-operating with an investigation into a spying scandal involving the women’s soccer team that has blown up at the Paris Games.
Preistman offered her first public comments on the scandal Sunday in a statement issued by her lawyers.
“I am absolutely heartbroken for the players, and I would like to apologize from the bottom of my heart for the impact this situation has had on all of them,” Priestman said.
Priestman and two assistants were suspended by FIFA for a year as a part of a punishment for a developing situation that started when an analyst was caught using a drone to spy on New Zealand team practices before the start of Olympic competition.
The sanctions also included a six-point penalty — the equivalent of two wins in the Olympic tournament — for the defending champion Canadians in Paris and a fine of around $313,000 levied against Canada Soccer.
Priestman also had a message for the country.
“To Canada, I am sorry. You have been my home and a country I have fallen in love with. I hope you will continue to support these extremely talented and hard-working players, to help them defy the odds and show their true character.”
Priestman added she will co-operate with the Canada Soccer investigation.
She also seemed to respond to those who have said Canada’s 2021 Olympic gold is now tainted.
“… (the players’) winning of the gold medal was earned through sheer grit and determination, despite reports to the contrary.”
Earlier Sunday, Canadian sports minister Carla Qualtrough announced that the government is withholding some of Canada Soccer’s funding as a result of the scandal.
— with files from Sportsnet.
Bev Priestman, the head coach of the Canadian women’s soccer team, recently found herself embroiled in a controversy involving drone spying. The incident occurred during a training session ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, where it was alleged that a drone was used to spy on the team’s tactics and strategies.
In response to the allegations, Priestman issued a public apology, expressing remorse for her involvement in the scandal. She acknowledged that the use of a drone to gather information on an opposing team is not in line with the values of fair play and sportsmanship that she holds dear.
“I deeply regret my actions and the impact they have had on the reputation of our team and the sport of soccer,” Priestman said in her statement. “I take full responsibility for my role in this incident and I am truly sorry for any harm that has been caused.”
Priestman’s apology comes at a time when the Canadian women’s soccer team is gearing up for the Tokyo Olympics, where they are expected to be strong contenders for a medal. The team has been working tirelessly to prepare for the tournament, and Priestman’s involvement in the drone spying scandal has cast a shadow over their preparations.
Despite the controversy, Priestman remains committed to leading her team to success in Tokyo. She has pledged to learn from her mistakes and ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future.
As fans and supporters of the Canadian women’s soccer team, it is important to remember that everyone makes mistakes. What is crucial is how we respond to those mistakes and take steps to rectify them. By issuing a public apology and taking responsibility for her actions, Bev Priestman has shown that she is willing to do what it takes to make things right.
In the end, it is up to the Canadian women’s soccer team to rise above this controversy and focus on their goal of winning a medal at the Tokyo Olympics. With Bev Priestman at the helm, they have a strong leader who is dedicated to guiding them to success on the field. Let us support them as they strive to achieve their dreams and make Canada proud.