Independent committee finds that former Canada manager John Herdman committed misconduct under soccer disciplinary code

The investigation, which was trigged by the Olympic drone scandal, determined the ex-Canada boss violated team code

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• Herdman found to have violated Canada soccer code
• Findings not yet released
• Herdman issues statement

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former Canada manager John Herdman committed misconduct under the national team's disciplinary code, an independent committee said in a decision released Friday.

  Herdman, who left Canada to take the Toronto FC head coach job in 2023, was part of an investigation triggered by last year's Olympic Drone scandal – which cost Women's Olympics head coach Bev Priestman, assistant coach Jasmine Mander, and analyst Joey Lombardi their positions at Canada Soccer.

  Herdman, 49, received a written admonishment as part of result of the panel's findings. Canada have not released the full details of the committee's decision.

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• WHAT CANADA SAID

  "Late this afternoon, the Independent Disciplinary Committee released its decision on the allegations of misconduct by John Herdman," Canada Soccer said in a written statement. "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."

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  WHAT HERDMAN SAID

  “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. "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.

  "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.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Herdman worked with Canada soccer from 2011-23, originally as the women's coach before switching to the men's team in 2018. He resigned from his role from Toronto FC at the end of the 2024 season, a move some believed was due to the investigation.

  Herdman declined to speak to the Disciplinary Committee for its investigation, an issue TSN reported to be due to scheduling issues.