Disgraced Canada women’s football coach banned for Olympics drone scandal makes astonishing claim that ‘ALL top teams spy’ – and says the men’s side had a ‘whole operation on it’ in bombshell new email

Bev Priestman, the coach of Canada’s women’s soccer team, is embroiled in a scandal after her claims suggested that the men’s team has ‘a comprehensive operation’ regarding espionage.

In a revealing email, the English coach stated that she believes ‘all top 10 teams spy,’ coming to light after her squad was caught deploying a drone over New Zealand’s training session.

Priestman, 38, from Consett, received a year-long ban from FIFA, alongside two of her coaching staff, following the incident that led to the arrest of one of her team members.

The Canadian team, who clinched the gold medal under her leadership in Tokyo, also faced a deduction of six points.

Notably, additional information has surfaced since their appeal to lessen or overturn the points deduction was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Suspended Canada women’s coach Bev Priestman made the astonishing allegation that ‘all top 10 teams spy’

Emails show Priestman speaking about the practice of spying as commonplace

She indicated that all top 10 teams utilize this tactic and that it can impact the outcome of matches

The spying scandal has shaken the Olympics following the drone being noticed during New Zealand’s training session (stock image)

In one of two stunning emails sent in March, an analyst requested assurances from Priestman that they would not be tasked with ‘acting as a spy’ at upcoming camps, citing their reputation and ethics as reasons for the inquiry.

The CAS report details how Priestman subsequently forwarded this email to another team member with her own message, seeking guidance on spying and noting, ‘It’s a common practice for the analyst.’

She revealed, ‘I know there is a comprehensive operation on the Men’s side regarding this (we had XX with us recently who excelled in this area).’

During a meeting on Tuesday, she mentioned she wanted to propose an alternative approach as scouting can significantly affect game outcomes and that ‘all top 10 teams engage in this.’

Priestman concluded her communication by requesting HR advice.

Former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch currently coaches the men’s team after being appointed in May, following the time of the emails.

Canada triumphed over New Zealand 2-1 in their group stage opener amidst the spying scandal

Jesse Marsch is the head coach of the Canada men’s team, appointed after the email exchanges occurred

Marsch succeeded Mauro Biello, who was interim head coach of the Canadian team since October 2023, when John Herdman left to lead Toronto FC.

The CAS quickly dismissed the appeal, with the case details revealed as part of a transparent process with FIFA.

Following the disclosure of the scandal, Canada won their match against New Zealand 2-1. They also defeated host nation France by the same margin and are set to face Colombia on Wednesday evening.