Priestman apologises for drone scandal

Priestman apologises for Canada soccer drone scandal, takes accountability and ready to cooperate with investigation.

Canadian women’s soccer coach Bev Priestman who was suspended for the drone scandal that led to her exit from the Paris Olympics has apologised on Sunday to her players and the nation for the huge blow.

In her first public statement since her dismissal by the Canada Soccer from the Games, Priestman stated that as the leader of the team she accepts responsibility and claims she will cooperate with the investigation.

“I am absolutely heartbroken for the players, and I would like to apologise from the bottom of my heart for the impact this situation has had on all of them,” Priestman said in a statement released by her lawyers.

“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 hardworking players, to help them defy all odds and show their true character.”

Sport Canada stated on Sunday that it was withholding funding allocated for salaries of Priestman and two other suspended team officials, calling the drone scandal that has rocked the Paris Olympic soccer tournament an embarrassment to all Canadians.

Canada’s team suffered six points reduction, while Priestman and other officials named Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander were expelled from any soccer-related activity for one year by FIFA.

“Using a drone to surveil another team during a closed practice is cheating,” Canada’s sport minister Carla Qualtrough said in a statement.

“It is completely unfair to Canadian players and to opposing teams. It undermines the integrity of the game itself.

“Given that the Women’s Program receives funding from Sport Canada, we are withholding funding relating to suspended Canada Soccer officials for the duration of their FIFA sanction.”