Canadian Olympic Committee chief executive David Shoemaker said there “appears to be information that could tarnish” Canada’s women’s football triumph from the Tokyo Games.
Shoemaker said: “It makes me ill, it makes me sick to my stomach to think that there could be something that calls it into question.”
Former Canada manager John Herdman said he is “highly confident” similar practices were not used during his time at the helm.
Englishman Herdman, who was in charge of the Canada men’s team at the 2022 World Cup and the women’s side at London 2012 and Rio 2016, added he would co-operate with Canada Soccer’s internal review.
“I’ve always gone into Olympic Games, World Cups, big events, with integrity in mind and the ability to compete at the highest level, following the rules and processes. So from my side, I’ll help Canada Soccer where I can with that review,” said Herdman, who now coaches Toronto FC.
Former Canada striker Christine Sinclair, the world’s all-time leading international goalscorer, said players were never shown drone footage.
“It’s unfortunate that players of our national team had to play through condemnable actions by some of their staff as they attempt to defend our gold medal. Actions players have no control over,” Sinclair said on Instagram.
“I want to be clear that having been a national team player for 23 years, we were never shown or discussed drone footage in team or individual meetings I’ve been present for.”
Stephanie Labbe was Canada’s keeper when they beat Sweden on penalties to win women’s football gold at Tokyo under Priestman.
“If anyone wants to speak about pks [penalty kicks], I studied hard the night before every match,” said the 37-year-old, who retired in 2022, said on social media.
“Watched video of players taking pks in national team and club games. Made my own educated guesses based on that info. No drone footage was watched.
“Do not confuse great goalkeeping with cheating.”