Former Canadian Coach John Herdman Reprimanded For Spy Scandal Of The Nirawak Aircraft

JAKARTA - Former Canadian National Team coach John Herdman has received a written warning following a Canadian Soccer Disciplinary Committee hearing sparked by a drone spy scandal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The disciplinary hearing, conducted by a panel of three Canadian Soccer-independent members, was conducted after Herdman was quoted as saying in a report by law firm about the scandal.

An independent review, commissioned by Canada Soccer and released in edited form in November 2024, concluded that it was clear that the practice of conducting covert surveillance of opponents existed before the 2024 Paris Olympics.

At the time, Canada Soccer said it had started legal proceedings against Herdman based on its Discipline Code.

"The potential violation of Canada Soccer's Code of Ethics and Conduct by former head coach of the men's national team has been identified," Canada Soccer said in a release in November 2024.

The first news on the findings of the Canada Soccer Disciplinary Committee emerged on Friday, March 28, 2025, local time, in a statement from Herdman to The Canadian Press.

Canada Soccer later confirmed that the Disciplinary Committee had issued a decision.

"This afternoon, the Independent Disciplinary Committee released its decision on allegations of violations committed by John Herdman."

"The independent committee informed the parties that Herdman was proven to have committed a violation based on the Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code."

"The committee decided the right sanctions were a letter of warning and informed the parties that their decision was final and binding."

"Soccer's tone is still analyzing the committee's decision," a Canadian Press spokeswoman said in a statement to The Canadian Press.

Canada Soccer has yet to release the Disciplinary Committee's decision. So, the full details are not yet available.

The drone spy scandal caused Canadian Women's National Team coach Bev Priestman, assistant coach Jasmine Mander, and analyst Joey Lombardi to lose their jobs at Canada Soccer.

All three are currently serving a one-year suspension from FIFA, with Lombardi resigning from his post at Canada Soccer soon after the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Herdman, a former Canadian men's and women's team coach, was charged under the Code of Ethics and Conduct, which states: "Every act or statement, verbally or in writing, deemed unsportsmanlike, insulting, or inappropriate behavior or tends to defame the game."

According to the Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code, the sanctions available from the Disciplinary Committee range from written notifications in the form of reprimands to life suspensions.

Herdman received a lighter sentence.

"I recognize the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, which ends with a reprimand, without a suspension or fine, and ending this issue."

"Throughout my career, I have led with integrity, transparency and deep respect for this game."

"It hasn't changed. I worked together during the process, including a complete and transparent presentation to the Disciplinary Committee."

"Even though this is a very challenging period, I am still proud of my time with Canada Soccer and what we have achieved together."

"I hope to continue my journey in this game. I remain focused on my passion, namely training, guiding, and helping the team achieve their full potential," Herdman said in a four paragraph statement.

Herdman resigned as coach of Toronto FC on November 29, 2024. His departure was linked by many parties to the Canada Soccer investigation.

Herdman took over the Canadian Women's National Team in 2011 and switched to the Canadian Men's National Team in January 2018. He left Canada Soccer in August 2023 to take over Toronto FC.

She led Canadian women's teams to two Olympics, won bronze in 2012 and 2016 and took Canadian men's teams to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar -- their first trip to the sport since 1986.