The fallout from Canada Soccer’s drone-spying scandal at the Paris Olympics has reached a conclusion — at least for former coach John Herdman. After an independent disciplinary committee hearing, Herdman has received a written admonishment, closing a controversial chapter in his career.
According to ESPN, the three-person panel, separate from Canada Soccer, determined that Herdman had committed misconduct under the Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code. The committee said its decision was final and binding, though Canada Soccer has yet to release the full details of their findings.
The drone-spying controversy first came to light in a report commissioned by Canada Soccer and conducted by an independent law firm. Released in redacted form last November, the report found that covert surveillance of opponents had been a practice long before the Paris Games.
At the time, Canada Soccer stated that it had “initiated a proceeding with respect to Mr. Herdman under its Disciplinary Code,” citing potential violations of the organization’s Code of Conduct and Ethics. The disciplinary hearing followed, ultimately resulting in this decision.
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The lightest possible punishment
Despite the serious allegations, Herdman escaped with a mere letter of admonishment — the lightest possible penalty under Canada Soccer’s Disciplinary Code. Sanctions could have ranged from a warning to a lifetime suspension, but the committee stopped far short of banning the former coach from the sport.
“I acknowledge the disciplinary committee’s decision, which concluded with an admonishment, without suspension or fine, and brings this matter to a close,” Herdman said in a statement.
He also defended his career, stating, “Throughout my career, I have led with integrity, transparency, and a deep respect for the game. That has not changed. I co-operated throughout the process, including a complete and transparent presentation to the disciplinary committee.”
While Herdman avoided a more severe penalty, others involved in the scandal were not as fortunate. Women’s coach Bev Priestman, assistant coach Jasmine Mander, and analyst Joey Lombardi were all hit with one-year suspensions from FIFA. Lombardi resigned from his role at Canada Soccer shortly after the Olympics.
Herdman, meanwhile, is looking forward. “Although this has been an incredibly challenging period, I remain proud of my time with Canada Soccer and what we achieved together. I look forward to continuing my journey in the game,” he said.
While the drone-spying saga may be over for Herdman, the scandal has left a lasting mark on Canada Soccer — one that won’t be easily forgotten.
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