Canada's Olympic Soccer Team Caught Spying on Opponents with Drones: Coach Bev Priestman Suspended and FIFA Investigation Launched

Paris, France, Ile-de-France, France France
Bev Priestman suspended as coach pending investigation
Canada's Olympic soccer team accused of spying on opponents using drones
Canadian women's team won against New Zealand 2-1 in their opening match despite scandal
FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Canada Soccer and Priestman
Joseph Lombardi identified as staffer operating drone over New Zealand's practice
Canada's Olympic Soccer Team Caught Spying on Opponents with Drones: Coach Bev Priestman Suspended and FIFA Investigation Launched

Canada's Olympic soccer team, the reigning gold medalist and eighth-ranked team in the world, found itself embroiled in a scandal at the Paris Olympics when it was accused of spying on its opponents using drones. The incident came to light on July 24, 2024, when New Zealand's Olympic committee reported that a drone had been flying over their women's soccer team's practice. The police were able to track the drone back to a staffer with the Canadian women's soccer team named Joseph Lombardi.

The fallout from this incident was swift. Canada removed its women's soccer coach, Bev Priestman, on Friday and suspended her until an independent external review is complete. FIFA confirmed that its disciplinary committee had opened investigation proceedings against Canada Soccer for a potential breach of FIFA and Olympic football's fair play regulations.

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) CEO, David Shoemaker, later announced that Priestman was likely aware of the drone use. Canada Soccer is also investigating previous drone use by the women's team, including at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and a Women's World Cup qualifier game against Panama in 2022.

The men's national team was also reportedly involved in drone spying tactics. TSN reported that they filmed practice sessions of the US men's team and Honduras during a World Cup qualifier in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Canadian team staff and contractors were allegedly told that drone spying was part of their job, with positions threatened if they didn't comply.

The scandal has raised concerns about the ethical shortcomings within Canada Soccer. FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Canada Soccer and Priestman. Despite this, the Canadian women's team won against New Zealand 2-1 in their opening match.


Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image

Confidence

91%

Doubts
  • Was the use of drones a widespread practice among other teams?
  • Were there any repercussions for the men's team involved in similar incidents?

Sources

79%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Canadian soccer teams have been spying with drones for years

The Verge Victoria Song Friday, 26 July 2024 14:20
  • Unique Points
    • Canadian men’s and women’s soccer teams allegedly spied on opponents with and without drones for years.
    • The Canadian Olympic women’s soccer team was caught using an unaccredited drone operator, Joseph Lombardi, over their practice.
    • TSN reported that drone spying tactics were used during Canada’s gold medal run at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and a Women’s World Cup qualifier game against Panama in 2022.
    • Canadian team staff and contractors were reportedly told that drone spying was part of their job, with positions threatened if they didn’t comply.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (10%)
    The article contains selective reporting as it only reports details that support the author's position about Canadian soccer teams spying on opponents using drones. The article does not provide any context or counter-arguments from the teams or FIFA. Additionally, there is emotional manipulation through phrases like 'big enough scandal' and 'more troubling'.
    • Despite the scandal, the Canadian women’s team won against New Zealand 2–1.
    • It would’ve been a big enough scandal had this been a one-off, but TSN’s report cites sources close to the matter saying the team used the same tactics during the women’s team’s gold medal run at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and a Women’s World Cup qualifier game against Panama in 2022. The men’s national team also reportedly filmed practice sessions of the US men’s team in 2019 and a World Cup qualifier against Honduras in 2021.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author makes several claims without providing evidence to support them. There are also inflammatory statements and appeals to authority. However, no formal logical fallacies were found.
    • ] The plot in Canadian soccer’s Olympic drone spying scandal thickens. A TSN report alleges that the Canadian men’s and women’s soccer teams have been spying on opponents — with and without drones — for years.
    • ] Kevin Blue, CEO of Canada Soccer, says the body is investigating the “systemic ethical shortcoming” but that the organization isn’t considering withdrawing the women’s team from the Games. Blue also insisted that the players were unaware of the drone spying tactics and pleaded that the team not be further penalized. Meanwhile, FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Canada Soccer and Priestman.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

75%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Olympics 2024: Canada coach 'likely' knew of drone spying - COC

NBA Nuggets (Mar 7, 2024) Game Recap - ESPN Issue of the Site: NBA Issues Of The Site. This is a sample name for this site. ESPN News Friday, 26 July 2024 19:37
  • Unique Points
    • Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) CEO David Shoemaker announced suspended women’s soccer coach Bev Priestman was likely aware of drone use that caused a scandal at the Paris Olympics.
    • Canada Soccer is investigating previous drone use by women’s team, including at the Tokyo Olympics.
  • Accuracy
    • Christine Sinclair, captain of the gold-medal winning team in Tokyo, condemned the use of drones to spy on opponents and insisted players had no knowledge of it.
  • Deception (30%)
    The article contains selective reporting as it only reports details that support the author's position. The author does not disclose any information about the sources of their information or provide any evidence to back up their claims. The article also uses emotional manipulation by implying that Canadians are questioning the team and making angry calls for them to be sent home, which creates a negative emotional response in readers.
    • The scandal has led to angry calls for the Canadian team to be sent home
    • It's unfortunate that the players of our National Team have had to play through condemnable actions by some of their staff as they attempt to defend our gold medal.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author makes several appeals to emotion and authority in the article. They express frustration and discomfort about the situation, which could influence readers' emotions. The author also quotes David Shoemaker and Kevin Blue, who are authorities on the matter, adding credibility to their statements. However, no formal or informal fallacies were found that would significantly impact the score.
    • ][I feel frustrated about the distraction it has created][] I have not considered withdrawal of the team.[/
    • ][I'm comfortable with the team competing as it is.][] We've made decisions as it relates to the ultimate sanction we have, participation on Team Canada here in Paris at the Olympic Games, that we get to nominate athletes and coaches to Team Canada and we get to remove them.
    • [One of the key pieces of information was the conclusion from Canada Soccer that [Priestman] needed to be suspended based on their accumulation of facts.]
    • [They gave me reasons to think further about the potential that this behavior was systemic.]
  • Bias (70%)
    The article discusses the Canadian Olympic Committee's decision to remove women's coach Bev Priestman due to her likely awareness of drone spying that caused a scandal at the Paris Olympics. The author, ESPN News Services, focuses on the consequences of this scandal and quotes several individuals involved in the situation. While there is no overt political or religious bias present, there is an emphasis on the negative actions taken by Canada's women's soccer team and their coach. This could be perceived as a form of ideological bias against the team for engaging in unethical behavior.
    • Assistant Andy Spence will coach Canada for the remainder of the Games.
      • Blue confirmed that the men’s team ‘attempted drone usage’ to gather information during the recently concluded Copa América in the United States, and added that coach Jesse Marsch subsequently denounced the practice to his staff.
        • The COC removed Priestman on Thursday after her suspension by Canada Soccer.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        88%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        I Spy a Canadian Olympics Scandal

        The Ringer Flo Lloyd-Hughes Friday, 26 July 2024 15:15
        • Unique Points
          • Canadian football spy scandal: Latest twist discussed by Flo Lloyd-Hughes and Jessy Parker Humphreies
          • First round of Olympics group games: Results for USA, Spain, and Germany
        • Accuracy
          • Canadian football spy scandal: Latest twist discussed by Flo Lloyd-Hughes and Jessy Parker Humphreys
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        82%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Canada Olympic soccer coach sent home over drone use as scandal widens

        The Fixing Site: A Summary of the Article. Des Bieler Friday, 26 July 2024 05:11
        • Unique Points
          • Canada Olympic committee removed women’s national team coach Bev Priestman over unauthorized drone recordings of opponents’ practices
          • New information suggests previous drone use against opponents predating Paris 2024 Olympic Games
          • Bev Priestman could face further discipline for suspended status during Paris Olympics
        • Accuracy
          • Canadian men’s and women’s soccer teams allegedly spied on opponents with and without drones for years.
        • Deception (50%)
          The article reports on a growing scandal regarding Canada Soccer's use of drones to make unauthorized recordings of opponents' practices and the removal of women's national team coach Bev Priestman. The author, Des Bieler, presents new information that has come to light about previous drone use against opponents predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This selective reporting only presents details that support the author's position and does not disclose any sources for this new information.
          • In light of these new revelations, Canada Soccer has made the decision to suspend Women’s National Soccer Team Head Coach, Bev Priestman for the remainder of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and until the completion of our recently announced independent external review.
          • The more I learn about this specific matter, the more concerned I get about a potential long-term, deeply embedded systemic culture of this type of thing occurring,
        • Fallacies (85%)
          The article contains several examples of appeal to authority and inflammatory rhetoric. The author repeatedly references the actions of Canada Soccer and its staff without questioning the validity of the information provided. Additionally, there are instances where the author uses strong language to describe the scandal, such as “widens” and “turn major.” Despite these issues, there are no formal fallacies present in the article.
          • Canada Soccer CEO expressed concerns Friday that the incident might be reflective of a systemic problem affecting Canada’s men’s and women’s programs.
          • In a conference call with reporters on Friday, Blue said Canada’s players were not involved in any unethical behavior and the team has no plans of dropping out of the Olympics.
          • Earlier this week, Priestman sidelined herself for the women’s Olympic opener Thursday and two members of her staff were sent home after Canadian officials learned that drones were flown over two recent practices staged by New Zealand, Canada’s upcoming opponent.
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        100%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Canada’s Olympic soccer spying scandal explained: What we know, who’s involved and what’s next

        The Name Of The NZ Prefix. I PWA NZI.P.Was Dropped. Meg Linehan, Wednesday, 24 July 2024 00:00
        • Unique Points
          • Canada’s women’s soccer team entered the Olympics as the reigning gold medalist and No. 8 team in the world.
          • New Zealand Olympic Committee issued a complaint about a drone being flown over its women’s soccer team’s practice on Monday.
          • Police tracked the drone back to a staffer with the Canadian women’s soccer team, Joseph Lombardi.
          • Canada removed women’s soccer coach Bev Priestman on Friday and suspended her until an independent external review is complete.
          • FIFA confirmed its disciplinary committee had opened investigation proceedings against Canada Soccer for potential breach of FIFA and Olympic football’s fair play regulations.
          • Assistant coach Andy Spence will lead the women’s team for the rest of the Olympic Games.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication