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

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.

"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."

“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.”

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.