John Herdman is convinced that his Canadian football teams did not spy with drones

Former Canadian women’s national team manager John Herdman said the news that Canadian team staff had used a drone to spy on New Zealand’s team training was “a surprise and a shock” and that he was “very confident” that such practices had not taken place under his watch.

Herdman, who is also a former coach of the Football Ferns, said he would cooperate with Canada Soccer’s internal investigation into allegations of drone spying that led to the suspension of Canadian women’s coach Bev Priestman from the Paris Games and cast a bad light on the defending Olympic champions’ title.

However, Herdman declined to provide details about his experience as coach of the Canadian national teams from 2011 until his departure as coach of Toronto FC in 2023.

“I am absolutely convinced that during my time as head coach at an Olympic Games or a World Championship we have never been involved in such activities,” Herdman told reporters.

“I have always entered the Olympics, World Championships and major events with integrity and the ability to compete at the highest level while adhering to the rules and procedures. For my part, I will assist Canada Soccer with this review in any way I can.”

Herdman coached the Canadian women’s team at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio Games, as well as the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. He also led the men’s national team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Herdman also coached the New Zealand national team from 2006 to 2011.

The drone scandal has shaken the women’s tournament.

Canadian Olympic Committee CEO David Shoemaker said Friday that head coach Priestman was likely aware that drones were being used to spy on opponents’ training in France.

The world football association FIFA has launched its own investigation into Canada Soccer following allegations that such espionage activities have been going on for years.

– Reuters