FIFA's report into Canada's spying scandal shows head coach Bev Priestman urged an analyst to use drones as "all top 10 teams do it".
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FIFA report into spying scandal releasedPriestman suspended for one yearHead coach urged analyst to use dronesGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
More details have emerged about the Canada spying scandal and they don't reflect well on Priestman. The report details emails between Priestman and an analyst, who was reluctant to spy on other teams, and between Priestman and a human resources representative for Canada Soccer.
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Priestman's actions have led to a year-long suspension from any football-related activity, while Canada also received a six-point deduction at the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris. An appeal against the six-point penalty has been rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
(C)GettyImagesWHAT PRIESTMAN SAID
An unnamed performance analyst wrote to Priestman about their unwillingness to participate in the spying.
"As discussed yesterday, in terms of the 'spying' conversation, I came off the meeting with clarity that you understood my reasons for me being unwilling to do this moving forward," they wrote, before outlining why they didn't wish to use a drone: "Morally," "my own reputation within the analysis field," and "potentially being unable to fulfil my role on a matchday."
The analyst added: "Just wanted to confirm that you will not be asking me to fulfil the role of 'spying' in the upcoming camp & future camps."
Priestman then sought clarity about the analyst's role with a HR official.
"It's [using a drone to scout opponents] something the analyst has always done and I know there is a whole operation on the Men's side with regards to it," the 38-year-old wrote. "As for scouting it can be the difference between winning and losing and all top 10 teams do it," she added.
READ CANADA'S STATEMENT
Canada Soccer released a statement in the wake of the CAS decision to uphold their Olympics points deduction.
The statement read: "Throughout this matter, Canada Soccer has sought to demonstrate accountability and communicate transparently, including to FIFA during their discipline process. We are disappointed with today’s appeal decision and continue to believe that our players should not have been unnecessarily punished for actions that were not their own.
"Last week, Canada Soccer committed to an independent external review. This process has begun. Sonia Regenbogen of Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark, LLP has been retained and will start the review by initially focusing on actions taken by Canada Soccer representatives related to the incident at the Olympic Games. Other issues of this matter, including its history will be reviewed subsequently. Ms. Regenbogen is a leading Canadian expert in conducting independent workplace investigations.
"Canada Soccer will continue to communicate regularly about this issue and take swift, decisive steps to restore public trust."