Stoney, a former captain of England, has been appointed as the head coach of the Canadian women’s team

Former England captain Casey Stoney has been appointed as the head coach of the Canadian women’s national soccer team, the sport’s national governing body announced on Monday. This announcement comes months after the program was embroiled in a drone scandal.

New Zealand accused Canadian staff of flying drones over their training sessions prior to their inaugural match at the Paris Olympics, resulting in the suspension of former coach Bev Priestman.

After an independent evaluation identified a “pattern of unacceptable culture” and an absence of oversight, Canada Soccer announced in November that Priestman would not be returning.

The NWSL’s Coach of the Year in 2022 was Stoney, who most recently served as the head coach of the San Diego Wave.

She will be responsible for coaching her first games for Canada at the Pinatar Cup in Spain next month.

“Together with the federation’s new leadership, we will strive to build on past successes and continue to grow the sport in Canada on and off the field,” a statement issued by Stoney stated. “I look forward to the journey ahead.”

Despite being penalized six points as a result of the drone scandal, Canada successfully advanced to the quarterfinals in Paris last year and won the Olympic gold in Tokyo.

“Casey’s track record of successful leadership, her values and strength of character, and her lifelong dedication to the advancement of women’s football make her the right person to lead our national team into its next chapter,” Kevin Blue, the CEO and General Secretary of Canada Soccer, stated.