Ex-Canada coach John Herdman draws written admonishment from disciplinary committee

New York Times

29-03-2025

Former Canada soccer coach John Herdman has received a written admonishment for his involvement in the Olympic drone-spying scandal that emerged from the Paris Games.
The disciplinary committee hearing, triggered by the scandal, did not result in additional punishment for Herdman. A three-person panel outside of Canada Soccer conducted the hearing, and Canada Soccer has not released the full findings from the committee.
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In a statement provided to The Athletic, Canada Soccer said: 'Late this afternoon, the Independent Disciplinary Committee released its decision on the allegations of misconduct by John Herdman. The independent committee informed the parties that Mr. Herdman was found to have committed misconduct under the Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code. The committee determined the appropriate sanction was a letter of admonishment and informed the parties that their decision was final and binding. Canada Soccer is still analyzing the committee's decision.'
Herdman defended his integrity and expressed gratitude that the matter was closed in a statement provided to The Athletic.
'I acknowledge the Disciplinary Committee's decision, which concluded with an admonishment, without suspension or fine, and brings this matter to a close,' he said. 'I want to express my profound appreciation to the players and staff who stood by me during this process. Your willingness to come forward and defend the culture we built together has been invaluable. We created a team united by respect and shared values, and I am thankful for your support.
'Throughout my career, I have led with integrity, transparency, and a deep respect for the game. That has not changed. I cooperated throughout the process, including a complete and transparent presentation to the Disciplinary Committee.
'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. I remain focused on my passion — coaching, mentoring, and helping teams reach their full potential.'
Herdman became head coach of Canada's women's team in 2011, then switched to the men's team in early 2018. He left that position in August 2023 to take over MLS side Toronto FC, well before the Paris Olympics.
However, a report commissioned by Canada Soccer and released in November said Canada's 'practice of conducting surreptitious surveillance of opponents' predated Paris. The report mentioned Herdman, which led to the disciplinary committee hearing.
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Herdman found success as Canada's coach. Under his guidance, the women reached two Olympics, winning bronze in 2012 and 2016. Then, the men's team played in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, marking its first tournament appearance since 1986.
He left his position at Toronto FC in late November, saying it was 'the right time' to depart as he looked forward to 'the next chapter' of his career.