Canada men's soccer team attempted to use drones at Copa America, CEO says amid spying scandal

[ad_1]

Canada

Share on Facebook Share on X Share by Email Kevin Blue says attempt did not affect competitive integrity, without elaborating Posted: 3 Hours Ago Last Updated: 1 Hour Ago

The CEO of Canada Soccer says the men's national soccer team "attempted drone usage" during the Copa America tournament that wrapped earlier this month.

Kevin Blue said the facts of the men's attempted spying were "significantly different" from what happened in France in connection with the women's team, and that it was his understanding it didn't affect competitive integrity, but he would not offer details as he spoke with media from Paris on Friday.

Asked whether Jesse Marsch, the head coach of the men's national team, was aware of possible drone usage at that tournament in the United States, Blue said he was aware after the fact.

Blue said that Marsch "denounced it as a practice to his staff."

Canada advanced as a guest country to the semifinals of the Copa America, South America's most important soccer tournament, before falling 2-0 to Argentina.

Blue was speaking after the women's team's coach, Bev Priestman, was suspended from the Olympic Games early Friday morning and two staff members were kicked off the soccer team Wednesday following reports a drone was used to spy on New Zealand team practices.

WATCH | Kevin Blue's full interview:

Blue said he's received "anecdotal feedback" about both programs that stretches back years and will require a full investigation, including how much the coaches knew. He did not give a timeline.

"As I settle into this new role, the more I learn about this specific matter, the more concerned I get about a potential long-term and deeply embedded systemic culture of this type of thing occurring, which is obviously completely unacceptable," he said.

He defended the players, saying they "have not been involved in any unethical behaviour themselves."

Soccer's governing body, FIFA, is looking into the matter, and the Olympic gold medal Canada's women's team won on penalty kicks against Sweden in Tokyo is now under scrutiny. Priestman was Canada's head coach at that time, too.

Toronto FC coach John Herdman, a former coach of both the men's and women's teams, said he would help Canada Soccer with any investigation.

"I'm highly confident that in my time as a head coach at an Olympic Games or World Cup we've never been involved in any of those activities," he said.

With files from The Canadian Press [ad_1]

Source link : https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7276302 Author : Publish date : 2024-07-26 12:34:53 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source .

December 2025
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
22	23	24	25	26	27	28
29	30	31

Canada men’s soccer team attempted to use drones at Copa America, CEO says amid spying scandal

No, Kamala Harris was never the ‘border czar’ | Elections 2024

Baker Hughes sees lower North America activity; bets on foreign demand

Baker Hughes sees lower North America activity; bets on foreign demand

U.S. Seeks to Ignite Change in South America by Supporting Argentina Against ‘Failed States

U.S. and Ecuador Unite: A Bold New Era of Reciprocal Trade Begins!

Unveiling El Salvador’s Mega Prison: A Deep Dive into Its Impact on Venezuelan Gangs

Uncover the Hidden Treasures of French Guiana: The Ultimate Guide to Budget-Friendly Adventures!

CARICOM Leaders Unite to Tackle US Request on Grenada’s Future

Exploring Trump’s Greenland Dream: What Lies Behind His Ambitions?

Uncovering the Secrets: The Impact of European Colonization on Reptile Extinctions in Guadeloupe

Unleashing Potential: CENTAM Guardian Participants Shine at Transformative Showcase Event

Political Turmoil in Guyana: Incoming Opposition Leader Arrested Amidst Controversy

Families Brace for Unthinkable Struggles as U.S. Moves to Terminate Haiti’s TPS

Categories

Archives