Bev Priestman has apologised to her Canada players in her first words since receiving a 12-month FIFA suspension.
The Canadian women’s football head coach was sent home from the tournament after taking responsibility for a drone that flew over a training session being conducted by Olympics opponents New Zealand.
Priestman, who was born in England, has been banned for one year by FIFA. the analyst who flew the drone and an assistant coach have also received the same suspension.
“As the leader of the team on the field, I want to take accountability, and I plan to fully cooperate with the investigation,” Priestman said via a statement issued through her legal counsel, Layth Gafoor of Lucentem (a sports and entertainment firm).
“I fought with every ounce of my being to make this program better, much of which will never be known or understood,” she said, adding: “I wish I could say more, but I will refrain at this time, given the appeals process and the ongoing investigation.”
